Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) general secretary Adhav Arjuna’s comments on superstar Rajinikanth had sparked a political storm, reportedly derailing the potential alliance talks between his party and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
On Tuesday, Aadhav issued a clarification expressing regret over his statement, and emphasising that his remarks were intended to highlight what he called the “conspiracy” of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and were not personally directed at the veteran actor.
"I did not intend to belittle Rajinikanth or say that he was afraid. I only said it was a conspiracy by the DMK. I understand that he may have misunderstood my remarks...Rajinikanth is a leader to our leader as well. Our leader's stand is our stand too," Aadhav said.
The TVK leader had originally made the statement on March 12, claiming that the DMK had threatened Rajinikanth when he attempted to enter politics. Aadhav maintained that he was not criticising the actor, but rather highlighting that TVK founder and actor Vijay had the courage to withstand similar pressure.
Aadhav’s fresh clarification followed a statement from Rajinikanth on Wednesday, in which the veteran actor refuted the TVK leader's arguments, saying, “Time does not speak but waits and answers.”
Aadhav’s remarks had drawn widespread condemnation across party lines. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said Rajinikanth had earned respect from all sections of society and that statements tarnishing the actor’s image were unacceptable.
“Entering politics or staying away from it is a matter of individual choice. We must respect that decision rather than attributing political motives and making defamatory remarks devoid of political decency,” the former chief minister wrote on X.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran also condemned Aadhav for his “unwanted remarks,” noting that Rajinikanth is one of the most respected and celebrated figures in Indian cinema.
Reports suggest that the controversy has disrupted potential alliance talks between TVK and the NDA ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. The BJP, already allied with the AIADMK, was reportedly keen on bringing the TVK on board and was in discussions with Vijay for negotiations, reportedly offering around 60 seats and the Deputy Chief Minister post to the party.
However, following the fallout from Aadhav’s comments, the alliance talks appeared to have stalled, at least for the time being.
At a public meeting on Wednesday, Aadhav claimed that the TVK had been offered 90 seats and the post of Chief Minister for a term of 2.5 years. Although he did not name the BJP or AIADMK explicitly, he said that Vijay had rejected the offers, aiming instead to strengthen the TVK so it could form a government grounded in secularism and social justice.
His statement lent credibility to local media reports claiming that Vijay had confirmed at a party executives’ meeting on Monday that the TVK would contest the assembly elections independently. “We are going to contest elections alone. Go to the constituencies and do field work. The list of candidates will be announced soon,” the actor-politician was quoted as saying.