Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), March 9 Dismissing the ruling DMK's mega-conference being organized on Monday in Trichy as a "manufactured awakening", TVK claimed that no amount of "artificial boosters" could save the ruling party from the growing public tide in favor of actor-politician Vijay.
In response to the DMK's claim of a political "uprising" in the state's central hub, TVK leader Nanjil Sampath mocked the ruling dispensation's massive mobilization efforts during a media briefing here on Sunday.
"There is no real awakening there," Sampath said, suggesting that the DMK's show of strength was forced rather than organic.
The exchange of words comes as both parties vie for dominance in the crucial Delta region. While the DMK has framed its Trichy conference as the "Mother of all Uprisings" to signal its readiness for the 2026 Assembly polls, the TVK countered that the ruling party is acting out of "sheer fear" of Vijay's recent successful rally in Thanjavur.
The TVK alleged that the DMK is utilizing government machinery to create a facade of momentum.
"They are holding meetings continuously because they are caught in a crisis. They are pressuring the media and their allies because they see the light of TVK spreading across Tamil Nadu," Sampath said.
The verbal spat also extended to the "copycat" allegations regarding welfare schemes.
Responding to claims that Vijay's promise of a Rs 2,500 monthly grant for women was a copy of the DMK's existing 'Magalir Urimai Thogai', Sampath dismissed the logic.
"You eat rice and I eat rice. Does that mean I am copying you when I eat? We are providing the rights grant that women deserve, while the DMK has failed them by turning social welfare into a mere nutritious meal department," Sampath said.
He also highlighted a "collapse" in the education sector by claiming that 12 state universities, including the prestigious University of Madras, are currently functioning without Vice-Chancellors. He alleged that bribes as high as Rs 70 lakh are being sought for the appointment of professors.
"A professor or teacher is being asked for upto Rs 70 lakh for a job appointment... the Higher Education department has been ruined," Sampath added.
He further alleged that the DMK's "administrative failure" had allowed the governor to run a "parallel government as a de-facto Chief Minister".
On the question of electoral tie-ups, the TVK leader remained defiant, asserting they have no immediate need for a coalition.