Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a fiery exchange on Monday, with Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, dismissing his Assembly address as little more than a poorly rehearsed film performance.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Udhayanidhi questioned why the Chief Minister took three full days to bring printed copies of the Enforcement Directorate’s allegations to the House. “Why did it take three days to bring printouts of the ED’s allegations and read them out? An answer without answers, shifting blame, diverting attention – in short, a dummy CM speaking cringe-worthy dialogue in ‘Roll Camera, Action’ mode, with zero preparation,” he posted.
Tamil Nadu opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized CM C Joseph Vijay’s Assembly address as a rehearsed performance; CM Vijay accused the DMK of financial corruption citing ED allegations and warned against abusive language, referencing Udhayanidhi amid controversy.
The DMK leader advised Vijay to come better prepared for future sessions, accusing him of avoiding the Opposition’s response. “Instead of hiding again because you’re scared of hearing what the Opposition has to say, prepare well next time. Try to do better!” Udhayanidhi added.
The war of words erupted after a tense Assembly session in which Chief Minister Vijay levelled corruption allegations against the DMK. He claimed that the Enforcement Directorate had accused the opposition party of funnelling money through party funds, specifically naming former Chief Minister MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Senthil Balaji. Vijay also referred to the Sarkaria Commission report, alleging that late former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had misused his official position during his tenure.
Vijay also warned on Monday that he would not tolerate abusive language against women. His remarks came a month after Tamil Nadu Police arrested Udhayanidhi Stalin in connection with a controversial remark that was widely interpreted as a reference to actress Trisha Krishnan.
Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said, “Women are the main reason behind my political victory. I will not tolerate any abusive language against women. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women.”
He further urged members not to make personal attacks, saying there had been an increase in abusive language in Tamil Nadu.
“Do not make personal attacks against others and women. There has been a spate of abuses making the rounds in Tamil Nadu of late. The people are watching how some are using double-meaning language against women,” he said.
The remarks came amid a controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi. In August, during a speech at a Cauvery rally, he was interrupted by members of the crowd chanting “Trisha, Trisha” while he was targeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. He paused, smiled and made a remark that was widely interpreted as an indirect reference to Trisha.
Udhayanidhi, however, has denied making any objectionable reference to the actress and maintained that his remarks were related to the Cauvery water issue.
