Section
DMK President M.K. Stalin addresses Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay’s controversial gesture, confirming it mirrored his own trauma during the Emergency period.
DMK president M.K. Stalin addressed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding a controversial body-shaming gesture made in the Assembly. In a video released on social media on Thursday, September 10, 2026, Stalin confirmed that the gesture accurately reflected the brutal attack he endured during the Emergency era.
Stalin revealed that his jawbones were broken by police during a prison attack, noting that he still bears the scars of that violence. He stated that while he had forgiven Vijay for past harsh remarks during the election campaign, the Chief Minister seemed to have forgotten the dignity expected of his position.
Stalin provided a harrowing account of his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. He recalled that when police visited his residence, he was away on party work. His father, former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, instructed the police to return the following day. Upon his return, Stalin was arrested and detained alongside nine others.
He described being lodged in a small room in a leper ward with a foul smell. The conditions were degrading, with only one pot available for all inmates to urinate in. Stalin explained that they were forced to sleep in the same space, enduring a constant stench.
The treatment inside the detention facility was described as merciless. Stalin recounted that police would use lathis and kick them with boots at night to prevent sleep. Convicts were also utilized to attack the prisoners. This brutal regime resulted in the death of DMK MP Chittibabu while in jail.
Stalin noted that those who fought for the cause of Tamils in public life were subjected to such attacks. He emphasized that fighters have long moved past these incidents, viewing them as a continuation of the DMK’s history since the days of Anna, whom Vijay has accepted as his ideological leader.
The controversy arose when Vijay responded to demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments in the Assembly. He recalled Stalin’s arrest during the Emergency and made a gesture referring to a broken jaw. The gesture drew condemnation from the CPI(M), leading Vijay to claim it was misunderstood.
Stalin directly addressed this in his video statement. “Thambi (brother) Vijay, the gesture you made was indeed true. My jawbones were broken in the police attack. I still bear the scars of the attack,” he said. He validated the gesture not as an insult, but as a factual reference to his physical trauma.
Stalin also referenced a past interaction where Vijay visited his home after becoming Chief Minister. He recalled greeting Vijay by holding his hands. Vijay had expressed regret for his harsh remarks during the election campaign. Stalin stated that he told Vijay he was not keeping anything in mind. However, he urged Vijay to maintain dignity while commenting on others.
“You must realise your position and function accordingly,” Stalin advised. He criticized Vijay for running the administration like a film shoot. He accused the Chief Minister of converting the Assembly into a place for making reels. Stalin pointed out that Vijay used the flyover constructed by the previous government, the Chennai Metro Rail flyover at Kathipara, for a photo shoot.
Stalin asserted that whoever denigrates him cannot alter the history of the DMK. He invited Vijay to verify the historical facts by referring to documents in the Assembly library, which Vijay had mentioned in his speech.
This public clarification underscores the enduring political tensions in Tamil Nadu. By validating the gesture as a reflection of historical trauma, Stalin reclaims the narrative of victimization during the Emergency. The incident highlights how past political violence continues to influence contemporary political discourse.
The criticism of Vijay’s administration running like a film shoot suggests a deeper ideological clash. Stalin’s emphasis on dignity and historical records positions the DMK as the guardian of Tamil political heritage. This may intensify scrutiny of Vijay’s conduct and administrative style in future legislative sessions.
The confirmation of Stalin's trauma reinforces the DMK's narrative of resistance against authoritarianism. By citing specific historical documents and personal scars, Stalin strengthens his moral authority in political debates. This approach ensures that the legacy of the Emergency remains a potent tool in regional politics.
Sep 11, 2026 06:21 UTC
Putin Arrives in India for Heavily Watched BRICS Summit
Sep 10, 2026 22:48 UTC
Putin and Modi Lead BRICS Summit Amid Global Crises
Sep 10, 2026 20:52 UTC
Houthis Seize Mocha, Escalating Yemen Conflict Along Red Sea
Sep 10, 2026 18:07 UTC
Yemen War: Houthi Forces Capture Mocha to Threaten Red Sea
Sep 11, 2026 10:08 UTC
Trump’s $5,000 Dividend: The Core of the Republican Midterm Convention
