Amid the intensifying political climate ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan has launched a series of sharp criticisms targeting actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), while also accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using intimidation tactics in the state.
Thirumavalavan took aim at TVK’s political approach and its campaign style, particularly in reference to the party’s election symbol, the “whistle.” Stressing the importance of dignity in legislative spaces, he said, “You cannot whistle inside the Assembly. It is not a place for such behaviour. The Assembly demands discipline and respect.” He further sharpened his criticism with a pointed remark, stating, “Send those who whistle to the theatre. Do not send them to the Assembly. Whistling can only be done in theatres, not in the Assembly.”
Emphasizing the distinction between entertainment culture and governance, Thirumavalavan added, “Send the people who whistle to theatres, and send to the Assembly a Dravidian model government that will protect this land and its people.”
The VCK leader further criticized Vijay’s political positioning, questioning the transition from cinema popularity to political leadership. He underscored that electoral politics requires ideological clarity and policy direction, stating, “Politics is not about symbolism or fan following. It requires clear ideology, firm policies, and commitment to democratic values.” He also remarked that leadership cannot rely solely on popularity, saying, “Cinema fame alone is not enough to lead people in politics.”
These comments come at a time when TVK is attempting to establish itself as a major alternative force in Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the elections, with Vijay actively campaigning across the state.
In separate remarks, Thirumavalavan also accused the BJP of engaging in what he described as “politics of intimidation” in Tamil Nadu. He said, “The BJP is trying to create fear and exert pressure through various means. This kind of intimidation politics will not succeed here.” Emphasizing the state’s political resilience, he added, “Tamil Nadu has a history of resisting such pressures. People here will not bow to threats or coercion.”
The VCK chief maintained that democratic processes in Tamil Nadu must remain free from external pressure and warned against attempts to influence political alignments through fear. “Any effort to manipulate democracy through intimidation will be strongly opposed,” he said, reiterating that the state’s political system must function independently and without coercion.
