Chennai, February 13 The ruling DMK on Friday strongly criticized TVK founder Vijay for his harsh criticism of the party, saying the actor-politician "simply wants to become the Chief Minister".
Responding to Vijay's assertion that the TVK would win the 2026 Assembly elections, DMK leader T K S Elangovan remarked that several actors in the past have launched political parties and attracted large crowds, but failed to maintain their support.
"Vijay has not participated in any protests for the benefit of the people. His intention is not the people; he simply wants to become the Chief Minister," he said.
Promising a social justice-oriented regime if voted to power, Vijay at a rally in Salem, criticized the DMK on various issues, including power-sharing and buying votes through money.
Dismissing Vijay's criticisms as standard opposition rhetoric, Elangovan asserted that its welfare schemes, including the monthly allowance for women, are legitimate commitments being fulfilled despite alleged attempts by the BJP to stall them through legal means.
Elangovan also denied allegations of false promises, stating that the funds have reached the accounts of the beneficiaries.
"The money has gone into every account. We have given it. And we had stated that this money is for the next three months. It is not a change in our policy. Rs 1,000 per month is what we have been giving for the last three years," he added.
Elangovan further said that the Chief Minister decided to advance these funds to protect the scheme from the BJP, which, he claimed, is planning to approach the courts to halt the payments.
"Our leader had clearly said in his statement that I am giving the fund only to protect the scheme from the BJP's hands. They don't care about the suffering of women and want to put the DMK in a difficult position," he said.