MK Stalin Hits Back at CM Vijay Over Jaw Gesture in Assembly

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over a gesture made by Chief Minister Vijay in the state Assembly. While criticizing alleged corruption during the DMK’s rule on September 7, Vijay raised his jaw in a gesture that was interpreted by DMK leaders as a reference to former Chief Minister MK Stalin and his appearance. The incident triggered strong criticism from the DMK, with the issue being described as a body-shaming controversy. Vijay later clarified that the gesture was unintentional and was not made with the intention of insulting Stalin.

Responding to the controversy, MK Stalin shared a video message on X, addressing Vijay as “Thambi Vijay” and recalling the hardships he endured during the Emergency between 1975 and 1977. Stalin said the DMK government led by his father M. Karunanidhi was dismissed during the Emergency and that he was arrested while leading the party’s youth wing. Recalling his time in prison, Stalin alleged that he was subjected to severe physical torture and that his jaw bones were fractured during an assault. He said the injuries and memories of those attacks remained with him. Stalin added that many people who fought for Tamil Nadu and its people had faced similar repression, and said that fighting for a cause and facing its consequences were not new to him. He urged Vijay to understand the history and struggles of the DMK before commenting on his political life.