TVK MLA causes tremors, upset in Congress MP who lit lamp in front of him at community baby shower ceremony in Tiruchi

TVK Tiruverumbur MLA Navalpattu S. Viji tried to get the candle held by Congress MP Christopher Tilak at ‘Samuthaya Valaikappu’ in Tiruchi on Monday (October 6, 2026). | Photo Credit: Special Event

Tiruverumbur MLA from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Navalpattu S. Viji, caused a stir when he apparently tried to take away a candle from Congress Rajya Sabha member Christopher Tilak when he was about to light the traditional lamp at the ‘Samuthaya Valaikappu’ (community baby shower) organized here on the 6th Social Department Monday (Weare20.Oc.)

Agitated that Mr. Tilak passed the candle in front of him, after HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh, District Collector and other TVK MLAs lit the lamp, Mr. Viji tried to grab the candle held by the MP while gesticulating and making a point. A wax candle with a flame fell in melee. Mr. Ramesh and the officials quickly intervened and pacified Mr. Viji and asked him to light the lamp.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Mr. Ramesh tried to play down the incident and claimed that the MLA was only insisting on following protocol. He dismissed suggestions that there was a rift between TVK members and those who had joined the ruling party from the AIADMK or its allies. “You should have seen us working (in the election campaign) in Dharapuram. We all worked together like siblings and we are united by love. Don’t try to create unnecessary confusion,” he replied to a question.

He denied that TVK distributed cash to voters in the pre-election period. “I don’t want to respond to baseless allegations,” Mr. Ramesh said while commenting on CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugham’s claim that TVK was distributing cash to voters. “If there is evidence, let them take action. Are there any complaints from the public?” he wondered when he was still pressed. He claimed that TVK was honestly seeking the votes of the people.

He dismissed claims by DMK president MK Stalin and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami that public sentiment had turned against TVK due to the “price hike” of essential commodities and energy tariffs. He recalled that Mr. Stalin had said that TVK would not win even a single seat in the 2026 assembly elections. Opposition leaders claimed the party would get 3-5% of the vote at best, but TVK was elected to power. “There is no public sentiment against TVK; people want to ensure Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s victory again and again,” he said, alleging that the opposition had tried to create a narrative by organizing several instances of sloganeering.

Published – 5 Oct 2026 22:13 IST