Tamil Nadu polls: After Vijay positions TVK as DMK's primary rival, AIADMK says some riding on 'illusiory image'

In a cryptic attack targeting actor-politician Vijay, senior All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader K.P. Munusamy said some, relying purely on cinematic fame, are trying to project an image that they have built a "massive political structure".

AIADMK Deputy General Secretary K.P. Munusamy's warning against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam comes as the actor-politician recently claimed the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu will be a fight between TVK and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). This is the first time an AIADMK functionary has spoken against Vijay while the party was hoping TVK would ally with them. 

Addressing party cadres in Krishnagiri, Munusamy said the upcoming assembly polls are different from previous elections as "new entrants" are trying to create an "illusory image" in the absence of veterans like Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. The senior leader said AIADMK cadres should keep vigil this election.

"Without meeting the people and relying solely on cinematic fame, some have created an illusory image as if building a massive structure," Munusamy said, indirectly targeting Vijay. Munusamy said Vijay was purely relying on cinematic fame. 

Recently, during a special general council meeting of TVK, Vijay said the party is going to win the upcoming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. Vijay claimed the 2026 assembly polls was confined only between TVK and the ruling DMK. It was Vijay's first public appearance after the tragic stampede during Vijay's rally in Karur in September. 

TVK has announced Vijay as its chief minister candidate, and the general council also entrusted the leader with the powers to decide on alliance for the upcoming assembly polls in the state.