Veteran Tamil actor Sathyaraj’s daughter, Divya Sathyaraj, a well-known nutritionist and social activist, have stirred political debate with their recent remarks targeting AIADMK and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), the party launched by actor Vijay.
Allegations of BJP Influence
In a strongly worded statement, Sathyaraj alleged that both AIADMK and TVK are operating under the indirect control of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He suggested that these parties, though claiming regional autonomy, are in fact echoing the agendas of the national ruling party.
“AIADMK has long aligned with the BJP, and now, TVK too appears to be functioning under its shadow,” Sathyaraj reportedly said during a public event.
🇮🇳 North-South Disparity Criticism
Adding to the criticism, Divya Sathyaraj pointed out that the BJP-led central government has consistently shown a bias towards northern Indian states, often ignoring the development and cultural importance of southern regions like Tamil Nadu.
“Be it in budget allocation, educational reforms, or cultural representation, the South has repeatedly been overlooked,” she said.
Divya also emphasized the need for regional parties to assert Tamil Nadu’s unique identity and resist central domination, especially when it comes to issues like language, education policy, and federal rights.
The Politics of Star Power
Divya Sathyaraj’s remarks are particularly significant as they come at a time when actor Vijay’s political debut via TVK is gaining traction. By naming TVK directly, Sathyaraj has questioned whether Vijay’s party will genuinely stand for Dravidian ideals or merely play a proxy role in national politics.
Political Reactions
While neither AIADMK nor TVK has issued a formal response to the criticism, the comments have gained wide attention online. Supporters of Sathyaraj praised his bold stance, while some political observers noted that such statements could signal a larger realignment of ideological forces in Tamil Nadu.
Context and Timing
The timing of these comments is also noteworthy, coming shortly after the 2024 general elections, where the BJP struggled to gain significant ground in Tamil Nadu. As assembly elections loom in the coming years, these kinds of public criticisms could influence voter perception, especially among youth and first-time voters.
By taking a firm stand against what they see as central government overreach and party subservience, Sathyaraj and Divya Sathyaraj have reignited discussion about political independence, southern identity, and the future of Tamil Nadu’s regional politics. Their comments highlight growing concerns over whether rising political outfits will protect Tamil Nadu’s interests or simply act as extensions of national parties.
