NDA-Vijay Alliance Buzz Derails After TVK Leader Remarks On Rajinikanth Spark Row

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 13:37 IST

Speculations of a BJP-led NDA and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam alliance for Tamil Nadu polls ended after TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna's remarks against Rajinikanth.

Speculations over a possible alliance between the BJP-led NDA and actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls have hit a roadblock following a controversy over a TVK leader’s remarks against superstar Rajinikanth.

The row erupted after TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna made blatant remarks against Rajinikanth, with AIADMK and BJP leaders openly criticising TVK functionaries.

What’s The Row?

While addressing the party members during a protest against the state government on March 12, Arjuna alleged that the DMK threatened Rajinikanth when he tried to enter politics.

Arjuna maintained that he was not criticising the actor but wanted to point out that TVK founder Vijay had courage to withstand such pressure.

His comments, however, drew spontaneous criticism from various quarters, including Rajini’s fans, NDA leaders and DMK minister, who said the TVK was attempting to gain political mileage by uttering a “blatant lie."

NDA, DMK Slam TVK

AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami termed the comments “politically indecent" and defended the actor’s decision to stay out of politics, calling for respect for individual choice.

BJP leader Annamalai also hit out at Arjuna, describing his claims as an “illusion" and praising Rajinikanth’s decades-long career.

Union Minister L Murugan demanded an apology from Arjuna for attempting to tarnish the actor’s image.

Noting that the TVK general secretary’s comments on the top actor’s decision not to enter politics was “highly condemnable," the Central Minister said the people of Tamil Nadu would not accept Arjuna’s comments made to serve his own political agenda.

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy lashed out at TVK for the allegation and said the Vijay-led party was attempting to gain political mileage by uttering a “lie." He said that Rajini was a friend of the DMK and had voiced support for the party.

“Rajinikanth cannot be threatened. Everyone knows that. To say that the DMK threatened him is a blatant lie. Vijay’s party is saying it to seek political mileage," Regupathy said and pointed out that in the 1996 election Rajini had voiced support for the DMK.

Rajinikanth Reacts

Additionally, Rajinikanth on Tuesday condemned the “slanderous remarks" by Arjuna about him and said that “time will give the answer".

In a message on X, the actor flagged concerns over Arjuna’s remarks and called them “contrary to the truth". He further expressed gratitude towards the political leaders, fans and media members who criticised the “derogatory" remarks.

“Mr Aadhav Arjuna, who holds a leadership position in the TVK party (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), recently expressed an opinion about me that was contrary to the truth. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Leader of the Opposition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP President Mr. Nainar Nagendran, Union Minister Mr. L. Murugan, Tamil Nadu Minister Mr. Raghupathy, Mr. Thol. Thirumavalavan, Mr. S.P. Velumani, friend Mr. Annamalai, Mr. Arjunamurthy, Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Mr. G.K. Vasan, Mr. John Pandian, Mr. Pugalenthi, and many other political leaders, Mr. Ameer, Mr. G. Dhananjayan, and other friends from the film industry, Mr. Nakkheeran Gopal, Chanakyaa Mr. Rangaraj Pandey, members of the media, and my beloved fans (whom I consider the gods who keep me living), for condemning his defamatory remarks and raising their voices in my support," the actor wrote in the message.

“Time does not speak, but it waits and gives the answer," he added.

Would TVK Join NDA?

The controversy came amid reports that the NDA had reached out to TVK with an offer of up to 80 seats and even the Deputy Chief Minister’s post for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. There were also claims that Vijay sought the Chief Minister’s post in return, though TVK leaders denied any such negotiations.

With tensions rising over the remarks, the alliance buzz has largely fizzled out, at least for now.

Tamil Nadu is headed for a multi-cornered electoral contest, with the ruling DMK seeking a second term, the AIADMK-BJP alliance aiming for a comeback, and Vijay’s TVK preparing for its electoral debut. Actor-politician Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi is also expected to be a key player in the race.

News politics NDA-Vijay Alliance Buzz Derails After TVK Leader Remarks On Rajinikanth Spark Row

Read More