DMK chief demands probe into Vijay's TVK party over drug seizure

Tamil Nadu's political landscape has been roiled by fresh allegations linking actor Vijay's Tamil Makkal Needhi Maiam (TVK) to a major drug trafficking case. The development came after the arrest of Boopalan, a functionary of the fledgling political party, who was found in possession of 135 kg of methamphetamine during a law enforcement operation.

Following the seizure, ruling DMK leader M K Stalin took to social media to attack the TVK, describing it as a 'Breaking Bad Party'—a reference to the American television series centered on illegal drug manufacturing. Stalin called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and demanded that authorities identify all individuals connected to the alleged narcotics network.

The seizure marks a significant challenge for TVK, which was launched by celebrated Tamil actor Vijay ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. The party has positioned itself as a political alternative to Tamil Nadu's established political formations. However, the drug-related arrest of a party functionary threatens to undermine its public image during its nascent stages.

Authorities have intensified investigations into the matter as questions mount over the extent of the network's operations and whether other party members were involved. The case has intensified the political battle in Tamil Nadu, with the ruling DMK seizing on the incident to question the TVK's credentials and governance capabilities.