Actor-turned-politician Vijay has launched a sharp critique against both the BJP and the ruling DMK, accusing them of orchestrating a "coordinated drama" around Tamil pride and the Chola dynasty for political advantage ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
In a strongly-worded statement, Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ariyalur to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I’s naval expedition to Southeast Asia.
The visit, he claimed, was an attempt by the BJP to appropriate Tamil history, while simultaneously marginalising the state.
“Had the DMK government given the Chola emperors the full honour they deserve, the anti-Tamil Union government wouldn't have stepped in to take credit. Instead, the DMK has welcomed PM Modi's visit as a matter of honour — this is not pride, it is surrender,” Vijay stated.
He alleged that the DMK had “mortgaged Tamil pride” by enabling the BJP to claim ownership of Tamil historical figures, calling it a betrayal of the legacy of Dravidian icon C.N. Annadurai.
Vijay also criticised the central government for rejecting the findings from the Keezhadi excavation, which many in Tamil Nadu view as key evidence of an ancient Tamil civilisation and Iron Age heritage.
“After attempting to hide strong evidence of Tamil civilisation and history at Keezhadi, the Centre’s sudden talk of Chola pride is pure drama,” Vijay charged, accusing both the BJP and DMK of compromising Tamil identity for political gain.
Vijay reminded the public that it was his party that had earlier called for the creation of a grand museum in Chennai dedicated to the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties.
He warned that the people of Tamil Nadu would see through such “political theatrics” and deliver a decisive verdict in the 2026 elections.
In response, BJP leader Karu Nagarajan dismissed Vijay’s remarks as politically motivated and based on misinformation.
“Has any other Prime Minister embraced and showcased Tamil culture to the world like Narendra Modi? PM Modi has acted as an ambassador of Tamil pride,” he said.
Refuting the allegations related to Keezhadi, Nagarajan claimed that the central government had consistently supported archaeological efforts in Tamil Nadu. “It is unclear what Vijay is trying to achieve by linking the BJP and DMK. People are not fools,” he added.
Though Prime Minister Modi’s visit was officially framed as a cultural celebration, it is widely viewed as part of the BJP’s larger outreach strategy in Tamil Nadu - a state where the party currently holds minimal political ground.
As parties prepare for 2026, traditional Dravidian outfits remain cautious in their celebration of Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, citing concerns over caste hierarchies and Aryan cultural dominance during those periods. Meanwhile, the BJP seeks to expand its appeal by embracing these historical narratives, and new entrants like Vijay’s TVK are positioning themselves as protectors of Tamil identity.