World · India Bureau
DMK invokes Ramayana to counter actor Vijay's political rise in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK party has launched a sharp political attack on actor-turned-politician Vijay, drawing parallels to religious texts in a bid to undermine his growing political influence ahead of key elections.
LSN India ·

Stepping up its campaign against rising political rival Vijay, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has deployed religious imagery and historical references to question the actor's political credentials. The party's leaders have cited Tamil literary and mythological references in their attacks, seeking to position Vijay as an outsider to Tamil Nadu's entrenched political establishment.
The DMK's strategy reflects growing concern within the party about Vijay's appeal, particularly among younger voters and first-time participants in the electoral process. Since launching his political party earlier this year, Vijay has rapidly gained traction in the southern state, prompting established political parties to mount counter-offensives.
The verbal sparring underscores the intensifying competition within Tamil Nadu politics as various actors and filmstars have increasingly ventured into electoral politics. The DMK's use of cultural and religious references signals an attempt to frame the narrative around traditional political legitimacy and ideological moorings.
As Tamil Nadu prepares for upcoming elections, the contest between established political machines and newer political entrants is expected to intensify, with both traditional and contemporary political messaging shaping voter preferences across the state.