Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T. K. S. Elangovan has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, accusing him of being aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also targeted the Centre over the recognition of archaeological findings at Keezhadi, reviving the political debate over Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to PTI Videos on October 12, Elangovan questioned the outcome of Vijay’s representations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai.
Elangovan Questions Vijay’s Approach to the BJP
Elangovan alleged that Vijay’s political approach favoured the BJP and expressed uncertainty over whether the Chief Minister’s requests to the Centre would produce results. He said the DMK had previously sought approval for the metro projects but had not received a favourable response.
He added that any approval for the proposed projects would benefit Tamil Nadu.
Keezhadi Findings Become a Political Flashpoint
The DMK leader accused the BJP-led Union government of delaying official recognition of archaeological findings from Keezhadi, an important archaeological site in Tamil Nadu associated with ancient Tamil history.
Elangovan argued that the Centre should approve the findings if it was acting neutrally. The issue has become part of a wider political debate over the preservation and recognition of Tamil cultural heritage.
DMK Leader Condemns Treatment of CJP Founder
Elangovan also criticised the alleged restrictions imposed on Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, who reportedly faced difficulties contacting family members following his grandmother’s death.
He accused the BJP of using pressure against people who challenge it. These remarks were part of his broader criticism of the handling of political dissent.
Support for Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign Against CEC
The DMK leader reiterated his party’s support for Rahul Gandhi’s campaign seeking action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Elangovan accused the Election Commission of failing to act impartially, while supporting the opposition’s demand for Kumar’s removal. These claims remain part of an ongoing political dispute.
Tamil Nadu Politics Faces Fresh Confrontation
Elangovan’s remarks bring together several contentious issues, including relations between the state government and the Centre, metro rail funding, archaeological recognition and electoral transparency.
The developments underline the continuing political tensions between the DMK, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the BJP-led Union government.