A new controversy is brewing over the release of MDMK general secretary Vaiko’s book following the non-participation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The book, a compilation of speeches made by Vaiko in Parliament for over 30 years, will be held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on August 4. The book will be released by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and the first copy of the book: “Vaiko in Parliament” will be received by the Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Interestingly, it was Vijay who was supposed to receive the first copy of the book. The invitation for this was also printed in the same manner. However, Vaiko later informed reporters that he advised Vijay against attending the event in Delhi due to anticipated large crowds and potential logistical difficulties.
But a report that appeared in a local media claimed that Vaiko had insisted on Vijay attending the event and had spoken to him about this after meeting him in person. Vijay, however, declined to attend.
“The invitation has already been printed with all your names. It won’t be appropriate to decline the invitation now,” Vaiko reportedly told Vijay. However, it is said that Vijay was adamant against visiting Delhi. Following this, Vaiko left the Secretariat with a promise that he would definitely participate in the translation book release ceremony to be held in Tamil Nadu.
There are also speculations that while Vijay agreed to go, he later changed his mind following pressure from the BJP top brass in Delhi. The rumours are that Vijay has decided to go along with the BJP in the Centre and his participation at an event would send a wrong message. They say this could affect the chances of Tamil Nadu getting expected assistance from the central government.
Some believe Vijay’s advisors have urged him to avoid frequent appearances with Rahul Gandhi at this stage. Also, TVK advisers are worried that Vijay’s presence in Delhi soon after the CJP protest could send a wrong signal. Vijay has not directly posted anything regarding the protest.
Though Vaiko had plans to invite Vice President C P Radhakrishnan for the event, the plans were dropped after securing Rahul Gandhi’s date.
However, there is a chatter within the political circle that Rahul Gandhi might give it a miss, considering that Vaiko has mostly spoken against various prime ministers from Rajiv Gandhi to Manmohan Singh, the betrayal of the Congress party to the Eelam Tamils, and the death penalty given to seven people, including Murugan and Perarivalan. Many of his speeches are against the Congress party.
