Chennai, April 5 TVK leader Adhav Arjuna claimed on Sunday that the DMK alliance is no longer "natural" but is instead maintained through "pressure and financial influence to eliminate competition" and pave the way for Udhayanidhi Stalin to hold a high office.
He also accused DMK chief M K Stalin of abandoning the principles of social justice in favor of "monarchy" and "money power". He alleged that the DMK has shifted from an ideological party to one dominated by authority and corruption.
"Stalin wants to eliminate everyone, and without any competition, he wants to make Udhayanidhi the chief minister after 2026," Arjuna told reporters here.
The TVK general secretary highlighted grievances within the DMK alliance, specifically mentioning the "pressuring" of veteran leaders like Vaiko of the MDMK.
The MDMK was forced to contest under the DMK symbol, which effectively erases their party's presence in the Assembly. Also, senior Congress and Dalit leaders are "upset" and "suppressed" by the current administration's tactics, he claimed.
He further expressed "sadness" over reports that VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan was "being pressured by individuals linked to the DMK" to withdraw from state-level politics.
He made a personal request to Thirumavalavan to participate in the state election. "Thirumavalavan has to participate in the state election for the sake of Dalits; to ensure Dalit and minority voices are represented in the Assembly," Arjuna said.
Thirumavalavan on Saturday clarified that he had wanted to enter the Assembly, but changed his mind to ensure the unity of the DMK alliance. The Chidambaram MP confirmed that he has now opted not to file his nomination for the Kattumannarkoil seat.
Turning to the TVK’s own efforts, Arjuna noted the massive public turnout at recent events in Puducherry – estimating crowds of over 50,000 – that were addressed by TVK chief Vijay. He confirmed that a full campaign schedule through April 21 is being finalised, pending police permissions and NOCs for specific locations.
"We have to plan properly. Vijay cannot do a normal campaign like other leaders, as he pulls a lot of crowds. That's why we are planning for a maximum of two or three days for him. Right now, the DGP has changed. The Election Commission is working with us. So, we'll definitely announce a tour till April 21 in the next few days."
Arjuna said in Chennai, they have asked permission for Villivakkam and T Nagar.
Arjuna will be contesting from Villivakkam in the April 23 Assembly elections.