Ruling TVK is obsessed with buying MLAs: MK Stalin tells voters

Mr. Stalin alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was not interested in pressing issues but was interested in building a new secretariat on the advice of an astrologer. File | Photo credit: Siva Saravanan

DMK president and former chief minister MK Stalin on Sunday (September 4, 2026) appealed to voters in Madurantakam and Dharapuram assembly constituencies to vote for DMK candidates, alleging that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was more interested in “buying” MLAs to protect its government.

In a speech posted on his social media page, Mr. Stalin alleged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was not interested in pressing issues but was interested in building a new secretariat on the advice of an astrologer.

“He is least bothered about the protests of fishermen and farmers. Instead, he will visit London to watch a car race. When murders become the order of the day, he will be busy releasing reels of ‘Singapen’ power,” Mr Stalin said.

He appealed to the electorate who had “shoved off” the ruling party’s candidates when they came to seek votes to defeat them in the by-election.

“You should disappoint TVK which is trying to cheat people by releasing reels and projecting false claims as achievements. There will be no voter betrayal in future only if you teach a lesson to the ruling party and its candidate who has defected to it,” he said.

Mr. Stalin asked voters to consider why by-elections were necessary in their constituencies barely four months after the Assembly elections.

“While MLAs in other constituencies are studying the demands of their constituencies, MLAs who you thought would be loyal to you have come back to ask for your votes. Is there any justification for their action? Do they have the slightest concern for your welfare?” he asked.

He alleged that the MLAs from the two constituencies had “sold the self-respect” of the electorate by “selling out” in the “horse race” of the ruling party.

“Are you ready to believe their lies and false stories?” he asked.

Mr Stalin alleged that the MLAs, after receiving ‘boxes’ from the ruling party, claimed that they could serve the people only by becoming members of the ruling party.

“Is it true? If only the ruling party can do good for the people, all MLAs belonging to other parties should resign and join the ruling party. The government cannot afford to ignore a constituency just because an opposition MLA is represented,” he said.

Mr Stalin also dismissed as “false” claims that the DMK and AIADMK were planning to come together to form the government. He said the by-election was called for by the “betrayal” of the political party by its own MLA.

Later in the day, Mr. Stalin pressed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to respond to allegations that money was distributed in tiffin carriers during his street-to-street campaign in Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies.

In a message on social media, he said there was also a claim that a vote rate was fixed for each street. “The political parties (CPI(M)) that are supporting you to form the government are also making allegations. What is your response?” he asked.

Mr. Stalin also wanted to know whether there would be an end to horse-trading or whether a new season of horse-trading would begin. “You blew your own trumpet like pure power. But in four months your discs broke,” he added.

Mr. Stalin also said that the Chief Minister can assume the role of women protector only after he removes those allegedly involved in sexually assaulting women like MLAs and district secretaries.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 14:54 IST