Is V. Senthil Balaji the DMK's 'ATM Machine'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vijay's criticisms of DMK highlight public discontent.
- Corruption allegations against Senthil Balaji raise questions.
- Vijay plans to promote agricultural development in Karur.
- Advocacy for an airport could boost local economy.
- Political landscape may shift ahead of 2026 elections.
Chennai, Sep 27 (NationPress) The President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has made a pointed accusation against the DMK government, claiming that the former Minister V. Senthil Balaji operates as an ATM machine dispensing corruption funds to the DMK family continuously.
During a significant rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, following his morning campaign in Namakkal, Vijay charged that the DMK is shielding corrupt leaders, asserting that the public is vocal about Balaji's involvement in illicit fundraising.
“Residents here claim that V. Senthil Balaji serves as an ATM for the DMK family, providing corruption money 24/7. This isn’t my assertion; it’s what the locals are saying,” Vijay stated, ridiculing the lavish tribute organized for Senthil Balaji despite his dismissal from the state Cabinet.
He criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for ignoring corrupt practices and questioned why the DMK government continues to protect individuals implicated in significant scams.
Furthermore, he accused the police in the district of being ineffective.
“Are the police here under protection or not? It appears they are hindered,” he remarked, confidently adding, “In just six months, authority will shift, and the situation will transform.”
Vijay also declared that his party intends to implement a special initiative to encourage date palm farming in Karur and committed to advocating for an airport in the district.
Addressing the DMK’s recent attempts to secure the Centre's approval for the airport project, he quipped, “The DMK government is nearing its end. Now the Minister is approaching the Centre for an airport. Sir, is that your postbox?”
He emphasized that an airport could revitalize Karur's textile sector but insisted it must be constructed without harming local communities, contrasting it with contentious plans in other regions.
Vijay also attributed the rampant sand mining and illegal quarries to the area's transformation into a drought-afflicted zone.
“Who is accountable for this, Chief Minister? Your own associates have stated that if you seize power at 11 a.m., sand looting can begin by 11:05 a.m.,” he alleged.
Vijay's incisive critique of DMK’s corruption coupled with pledges for focused development illustrates his strategy to position TVK as a formidable contender against both DMK and AIADMK in the lead-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.