DMK’s A Raja lashes out at VCK for joining TVK cabinet

CHENNAI: DMK deputy general secretary A Raja launched a vitriolic attack on VCK for joining the TVK cabinet, triggering a fierce backlash from VCK cadres and leaders on Friday. The war of words between the two parties continued even after chief minister M K Stalin intervened and urged DMK cadres not to criticise former allies who had joined the TVK cabinet.

The controversy began when Raja posted a tweet comparing the decision of IUML and VCK to join the TVK cabinet to an “extramarital affair”. He later deleted the post and shared another message, stating that a coconut tree from his house had bent across the street to offer tender coconuts to a neighbouring house.

VCK treasurer S S Balaji hit back strongly, questioning why some people felt threatened when the humble start to gain power. He said such slander would not weaken VCK and that the party was refraining from responding in the same language only to maintain decorum.

“If the injustice continues and forces us to reveal the truth, you will be burned to ashes in the fire that cannot be doused,” he said. VCK’s official handle also responded sharply. Without naming either DMK or Raja, the party accused a “selfish group” of displaying arrogance after coming to power with the support of “ladder” (IUML’s symbol) and “chiruthai” (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi). “Your double standards — exploiting everyone for power and then slandering them when it comes to power-sharing — are known to everyone,” the statement said. VCK also said they are not a coconut tree that bends but a palm tree that grows straight, rooted in ideology.

Seeking to calm tensions, Stalin said every party has the right to decide its own political course. “Avoid using harsh words that may hurt anyone,” he told DMK cadres in a tweet. He congratulated IUML MLA Shajahan and VCK MLA Vanni Arasu, who were sworn in as ministers earlier in the day. Stalin added that DMK would function as a responsible opposition party by appreciating the govt’s good measures and constructively criticising its shortcomings.

Retweeting Stalin’s message, the VCK handle said that while DMK high command spoke in a dignified manner, the party’s IT wing continued to use abusive language. “VCK is not a bonded labourer. It is an independent party,” the post said. “Those who use foul language may continue to do so. Meanwhile, the Chiruthaigal are preparing to enter Fort St George majestically,” it added.

Meanwhile, TVK general secretary and minister Aadhav Arjuna demanded an apology from Raja for his ‘demeaning’ remarks against VCK.