Vijay accuses AIADMK of becoming DMK offshoot at Dharapuram bypoll rally
Synopsis
In TVK's first major electoral test, Chief Minister Vijay took the fight directly to both the AIADMK and the DMK at Dharapuram, branding the opposition as a single political bloc and positioning TVK as the only genuine alternative — a framing that could define the party's identity ahead of the 2026 state elections.
Key Takeaways
CM Vijay campaigned in Dharapuram on 30 September for TVK candidate Sathyabama ahead of the 6 October Assembly bypoll .
Vijay alleged the AIADMK had become an 'offshoot' of the DMK , claiming both parties share a common political interest.
He said the AIADMK's stance on the Sarkaria Commission exposed its tacit alignment with the DMK.
Candidate Sathyabama became emotional, revealing online attacks after her party switch caused her to stop using her phone for two months .
Vijay praised Kongu Nadu voters as hardworking and urged them to support TVK on 6 October , framing the bypoll as TVK's stand against 'monarchical' politics.
Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Wednesday, 30 September launched a sharp attack on the AIADMK, alleging that the party had become an 'offshoot' of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and that both outfits now shared a common political interest. The remarks came during a campaign rally in Dharapuram, where Vijay was canvassing support for TVK candidate Sathyabama ahead of the 6 October Assembly bypoll.
Key Allegations Against AIADMK and DMK
Vijay alleged that the AIADMK — which he described as a former offshoot of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — had now pivoted to align indirectly with the DMK. He claimed this convergence undermined the political legacies of former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. Vijay further alleged that the AIADMK's stance on the Sarkaria Commission revealed its tacit support for the DMK, asserting that TVK alone was opposing it.
He also criticised DMK leader M.K. Stalin's political rhetoric, alleging it encouraged 'abuse and hatred.' Vijay rejected what he termed a 'monarchical approach' to governance, alleging that certain leaders continued to behave as though they remained in power.
Sathyabama's Switch and Emotional Moment
Defending TVK candidate Sathyabama's departure from the AIADMK, Vijay maintained that she had formally resigned as Dharapuram MLA before joining TVK and that her switch involved no political bargaining. Sathyabama became emotional during her address, revealing that online attacks following her resignation and party switch had compelled her to stop using her phone for two months. Vijay was seen consoling her at the event.
Referring to DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan's remarks about defeating rulers by fielding ordinary candidates, Vijay said TVK had practised the same principle by giving ordinary people a chance to contest elections.
Vijay's Pitch to Dharapuram Voters
Vijay told the gathering he had come to meet voters as 'a son and a family member' rather than in his capacity as Chief Minister. He said his government was committed to eliminating corruption and fulfilling election promises in phases. Praising the people of Kongu Nadu as hardworking, he urged Dharapuram voters to back Sathyabama on 6 October.
Vijay also addressed criticism over TVK's practice of greeting citizens on Krishna Jayanthi, Christmas, and Bakrid, asserting that the party respected all faiths and opposed no one's religious beliefs. He said TVK would continue this approach regardless of criticism from political opponents.
What This Means for Tamil Nadu Politics
The Dharapuram bypoll is being closely watched as TVK's first significant electoral test since Vijay formally entered politics. The 6 October contest will offer an early gauge of the party's grassroots appeal in the Kongu Nadu belt, a region historically contested by the AIADMK and the DMK. Vijay's framing of the AIADMK as a DMK ally is a calculated attempt to consolidate anti-establishment votes around TVK. The result is likely to shape the narrative around TVK's viability ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Point of View
Leaving TVK as the only opposition worth voting for. The Dharapuram bypoll is too small to be a verdict, but it is large enough to be a story: a win would validate TVK's rapid institutionalisation, while a loss would invite uncomfortable questions about Vijay's political momentum. The emotional moment involving Sathyabama also signals that defection politics in Tamil Nadu carries real personal costs, something TVK will need to manage as it recruits more crossover candidates ahead of 2026.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Vijay say about the AIADMK at the Dharapuram rally?
Vijay alleged that the AIADMK had become an 'offshoot' of the DMK, claiming both parties were functioning alike and sharing a common political interest. He said this alignment betrayed the legacies of former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa.
What is the Dharapuram bypoll and when is it scheduled?
The Dharapuram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for 6 October. TVK has fielded Sathyabama, a former AIADMK MLA who resigned her seat before joining the party, and it marks TVK's first significant electoral test since Vijay entered politics.
Why did Sathyabama become emotional at the rally?
Sathyabama said online attacks following her resignation from the AIADMK and her switch to TVK were so severe that she stopped using her phone for two months. Chief Minister Vijay was seen consoling her at the event.
What did Vijay say about the Sarkaria Commission?
Vijay alleged that the AIADMK's response to his references to the Sarkaria Commission revealed the party's tacit support for the DMK. He asserted that TVK alone was opposing the DMK on this issue.
How does the Dharapuram bypoll fit into Tamil Nadu's broader political picture?
The bypoll is seen as an early test of TVK's grassroots appeal in the Kongu Nadu belt, a region traditionally contested by the AIADMK and the DMK. The result is expected to influence perceptions of TVK's viability ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
