Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) Aadhav Arjuna, the general secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), sharply criticized Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during a Sunday press conference. He accused the DMK leadership of prioritizing family interests over the contributions of senior party leaders and alliance partners, particularly as the Assembly elections approach.

Arjuna claimed that Stalin has marginalized his sister and current MP, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, in favor of his son-in-law, V. Sabareesan. He also suggested that the Chief Minister is positioning his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, for a more significant political role, which he described as a manifestation of increasing family dominance within the party.

“Senior figures who have made substantial contributions to the party, such as Kanimozhi and general secretary Duraimurugan, are being overlooked,” Arjuna stated, suggesting that critical decisions are now being made by a small, exclusive inner circle.

Additionally, he took issue with the DMK’s candidate selection process, arguing that nominations are primarily limited to those supported by Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sabareesan. This, he indicated, has led to discontent within the party and uncertainty among its alliance partners.

Arjuna noted that key allies, including Congress, have yet to finalize candidates in numerous constituencies, implying that internal issues within the DMK-led coalition are disrupting coordination.

He drew parallels with political trends in Bihar, asserting that dominant parties tend to weaken their allies over time, citing smaller parties like the MDMK contesting under the DMK’s symbol, which he believes dilutes their independent political identity.

On the subject of alliances, Arjuna condemned the inclusion of the DMDK in the DMK-led front, claiming it contradicts the ideological legacy of its founder, the late Vijayakanth. He warned that such political alignments could jeopardize the party’s original vision.

Furthermore, he alleged that pressure tactics are being used against smaller allies and leaders, including VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, in determining candidate selections and electoral strategies.

Acknowledging TVK’s electoral prospects, Arjuna stated that the party has fielded candidates in all 234 constituencies and claimed that a significant portion of the AIADMK’s traditional voter base—approximately 25 percent—has now shifted towards TVK.

Accusing the DMK of engaging in electoral malpractice, he alleged that the party is offering cash incentives to voters, with amounts reaching up to Rs 10,000 per vote. He insisted that TVK would refrain from such practices and called for administrative changes, especially within the police force, to guarantee free and fair elections.