As the election season approaches in Tamil Nadu, a fresh political controversy has erupted in the state after the BJP state chief made a personal remark, saying that actor-turned-politician Vijay should “come out of actor Trisha’s house” and gain some experience to achieve success in politics. Immediately after this statement, a political storm ensued, with other leaders criticising him and describing the comment as inappropriate.
BJP Leader Mocks Vijay’s Political Inexperience
During a public address, Nagendran dismissed Vijay’s claim that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), would be the DMK’s main challenger in the upcoming Assembly elections. In a mocking tone, he likened Vijay’s political ambitions to a lofty dream beyond his current capabilities.
“Poor man, he is completely inexperienced. First, he needs to come out of his house. Come out of Trisha’s house first, then something can happen,” Nagendran said, laughing. He added a colourful metaphor, saying someone “who cannot even climb onto a rooftop is dreaming of climbing to heaven.”
Nagendran also suggested that Vijay should strengthen his family ties and focus on promoting the principles of great leaders. When asked to clarify his statement later, he stood firm, refusing to retract it, though he insisted, “I said it only once.”
Opposition Leaders Condemn Remarks as Inappropriate
These comments immediately drew attacks from Tamil Nadu’s opposition parties. DMK Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan accused the BJP of a long-standing disrespect towards women and described the party as adhering to outdated traditions.
“They follow Manu Dharma, which never gives respect to women. Naturally, he will speak like that. That is why the people of Tamil Nadu are against the BJP. They ill-treat women. They are known for it,” Elangovan said, adding that Nagendran has become a “slave of the RSS.”
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selvaperunthagai also condemned the BJP leader’s comments, calling them “shocking” and questioning why Trisha’s name was unnecessarily dragged into political discourse.
“It’s shocking. Why is he talking about Trisha? The BJP has plenty of work to focus on, yet he is making personal remarks. Personal attacks have no place in politics. One must not malign someone with such comments,” Selvaperunthagai stated.
BJP Stands by State Chief Amid Backlash
Even after the criticism from other parties, Nagendran received some support from within his party. BJP leaders accused the DMK of deliberately twisting his words for political gain. Vijayadharani, a state BJP leader, defended Nagendran, claiming his remarks were made “in a good sense.”
“It is the DMK that normally maligns women. When I left the Congress party and joined the BJP, the DMK was persistent in making bad remarks about me. It is the DMK’s usual stance to target women, harass them, and speak very badly about them. Whatever comments by our state president were made in good faith and cannot be twisted. The DMK is purposely distorting them,” Vijayadharani said.
Nagendran’s remarks came during one of Vijay’s political rallies in Tamil Nadu, where the actor-turned-politician launched sharp attacks against both the BJP and the ruling DMK.
