Political temperatures in Tamil Nadu are running high these days. This follows recent remarks made in the Legislative Assembly regarding ‘MISA’—a law from the Emergency era—and a gesture made by Chief Minister Vijay directed at DMK chief MK Stalin, sparking a fierce exchange of accusations.
Responding to the situation, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a scathing counter-attack on CM Vijay. He stated that the Chief Minister should not engage in unnecessary controversies within the Assembly.
Understanding Vijay’s gesture and the Assembly controversy
The issue began on Monday during an Assembly discussion when Chief Minister Vijay mentioned ‘MISA’ while making a gesture—placing his hand near his jaw. Political circles immediately interpreted this gesture as a reference to Stalin’s detention and alleged jaw injury during the 1976 Emergency. However, two days prior, Vijay had clarified that the hand gesture was not intentional. “Thambi Vijay, history cannot be changed”
Addressing Vijay as ‘Thambi Vijay’ (Brother Vijay), Stalin asserted that his struggle during the Emergency is part of the DMK’s glorious history. Stalin stated unequivocally that history cannot be altered.
In a video posted on the social media platform X, Stalin also lashed out at those questioning his struggle, suggesting they could personally examine the documents kept in the Assembly library.
“Running the government like a film shoot”
In the video, launching a direct attack on Vijay, Stalin remarked, “You have turned the Assembly into a place for making ‘Reels’. You pose for photoshoots on bridges built by us and run the government as if a film shoot were in progress.” The former CM stated that you are posting such reels to mask your failed and lax administrative system, thereby deceiving an entire generation.
**Recalling the 1976 Arrest**
Reflecting on his struggles, Stalin revisited the era of the 1976 Emergency. He recounted how the DMK had organized a massive rally at Marina Beach in protest against the Emergency and MISA.
Stalin described how the central government dismissed the DMK government on January 31, 1976. Immediately after the government fell, the police arrived at M. Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence to arrest Stalin, but he was away at the time for election campaigning.
Stalin further explained that upon his return, his father, Karunanidhi, personally called the police and asked them to arrest him. Subsequently, he was imprisoned under the MISA Act.
**’Jawbone Broken in Prison’**
Recalling the torture endured in prison, Stalin appeared both emotional and fierce in the video. He also clarified the facts regarding his jaw injury. He described how prisoners were confined in filthy, unsanitary cells during the Emergency and subjected to constant beatings by the police and others.
Stalin stated that his jawbone was fractured during this brutality, and he still bears the scars and pain from that injury today. Taking a dig at Vijay, the DMK chief remarked, “You also posed with your hand on your jaw in the Assembly, didn’t you? That is absolutely correct. I still remember the marks and wounds from the blows I received during those moments.”
**Mention of Madras Mayor Chittu Babu in the Video**
Finally, the former Chief Minister also mentioned the death of DMK leader and former Madras Mayor Chittu Babu. He stated that his associate, Chittu Babu, died as a result of a severe beating in jail, and that the blows meant for Stalin were the ones Chittu Babu had endured himself.
