Addressing a massive gathering in Villupuram district, Tamil superstar and politician Vijay declared the BJP as the ideological enemy of his party TVK and the DMK as its political rival. He also promised to uphold the legacies of Dravidian icon Periyar, former Chief Minister Kamaraj, B.R. Ambedkar, Rani Velu Nachiyar, and Anjali Ammal. He emphasized on the need for transformative change in Tamil Nadu's political landscape and pledged to not engage in any compromise or adjustment politics.
Actor Vijay's much-awaited political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam is expected to make its debut at a public conference in Villupuram. While the actor has been projected as a strong opposition to the ruling DMK, speculations are rife that his party will continue to uphold Tamil Nadu's Dravidian ideology, drawing inspiration from leaders like EV Ramasamy 'Periyar' and B R Ambedkar. The event is closely watched by political parties and observers, who believe that Vijay's party may fill the void left by AIADMK after the demise of Jayalalithaa. With the actor likely to take on the DMK and BJP on key issues such as drug addiction and NEET, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu is set for a major shift.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, grandson of legendary politician Kalaignar, sticks to his statement comparing Sanatan Dharma to dengue and malaria. He defends it as a call to address the mistreatment of women in the Hindu religion and echoes the views of prominent Dravidian leaders. Despite facing protests and legal action, he refuses to apologize, stating he stands by his words.
At the book launch event of DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin praised the party's unwavering principles and resilience against its enemies. He further emphasized the need for more leaders like Siva to combat the BJP's false propaganda and revisionist attempts to rewrite history. The event saw the release of five books written by Siva, with the first copy being handed over to DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu by Mr. Stalin. Actor Prakash Raj, lyricist Vairamuthu, and Dravidian ideologue Suba.Veerapandian were also present at the event, showcasing the strong support and unity within the party.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, a rising political figure in Tamil Nadu, used simple yet effective messaging to challenge the BJP-led Centre in the lead up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. With his '29 paisa' campaign, he targeted the government for allegedly not allocating enough funds to the state. This ultimately led to his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. Under his leadership, the DMK youth wing focused on engaging with the Dravidian spirit and utilizing technology to expand party membership. His successful 'single brick' campaign also gained him widespread praise. Despite controversies surrounding his comments on Sanatan Dharma, Udhayanidhi's natural ability to connect with people has solidified his position as a prominent leader in the political arena.
According to the News18 Mega Exit Poll, BJP's K Annamalai is expected to secure the Coimbatore constituency in Tamil Nadu and bring 1-3 seats for the party in the Lok Sabha elections. His strong leadership, assertive nature, and grassroot level campaigning have gained popularity and support among the people, making the BJP a significant player in the state's politics. With the BJP's strong ally INDIA bloc and a weakened AIAMDK, Annamalai's impressive win marks a shift away from the traditional Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu.
In the late 19th century, missionary Robert Caldwell propagated the idea that Brahmins were evil north Indian invaders who oppressed the "pure Dravidian race" in South India. This false equation gained traction among other scholars and even the Governor of Madras, Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff, who used it to launch a hate speech against Brahmins. However, recent studies have revealed Caldwell's biased scholarship and tall claims, further exposing the deep-rooted prejudice against Brahmins in South India.
In a unanimous decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was re-elected as the leader of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for a second consecutive term in the party's general council meeting. Along with Stalin, state Water Works Minister S. Duraimuguan was also elected unopposed as the General Secretary, while former Union minister T.R. Baalu and K.N. Nehru were re-elected to key positions in the party. The meeting was also adorned with portraits of prominent Dravidian leaders, showcasing the party's strong ideological roots.
In a revealing interview, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai shares his journey from engineering to politics and his vision for the state's political landscape. He highlights the importance of spirituality in politics and criticizes the atheistic stance of the Dravidian ideology. Annamalai also discusses his decision to leave the civil service and take a more direct approach to community service through politics. He emphasizes the need to bring back spirituality in Tamil Nadu and reorient the political landscape towards the common man.
The AIADMK's attempt to gain votes by breaking ties with the NDA and using the terms "machchi" and "ji" may not have the desired effect. The changing ways of addressing each other in Tamil Nadu may suggest a shift in political preferences among the youth, but it may not align with the BJP and Sangh Parivar. This linguistic shift could also reflect the values of social justice and self-respect in Dravidian politics.