Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the state’s Chief Minister, hit back at the opposition DMK on Sunday over criticism of his campaign activities ahead of the upcoming bye-elections. Vijay had campaigned in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, where his interactions with voters, including visiting tea shops and riding a tractor, drew criticism from DMK chief and former Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Responding to the criticism, Vijay questioned the DMK leadership over its objections to his direct engagement with voters. “I am not someone who meets people only during elections. I will meet my people any time I want and as many times I want. What's bothering you?” he said. Vijay’s remarks came amid a political exchange over the intensity of his campaign in the two constituencies.

MK Stalin had earlier questioned Vijay’s decision to undertake an extensive campaign for the bye-elections after making comparatively fewer campaign visits during the 2026 Assembly election. Referring to Vijay’s activities in Madurantakam, Stalin described the campaign as a “shooting” and criticised scenes involving the Chief Minister drinking tea and giving money to people after the interaction.

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Stalin also questioned Vijay’s campaigning pattern, pointing to his visits to Madurantakam while alleging that he had visited his own constituency only once after the Assembly election victory. He contrasted this with Vijay’s current campaign schedule, which included visits through local streets and interactions with residents. Stalin also questioned the political reasoning behind the Chief Minister’s increased presence during the bye-election campaign.

Udhayanidhi Stalin similarly criticised Vijay’s campaign activities, referring to his visits to tea shops and his tractor ride. He claimed Vijay had spent considerably more time campaigning in Madurantakam during the bye-election period than during the April Assembly election campaign. Udhayanidhi also used the campaign activities to question the Chief Minister’s approach to voters and his level of engagement during the earlier election.

The exchange comes as political parties intensify campaigning for the upcoming bye-elections, with the ruling establishment and opposition DMK seeking to consolidate their support among voters. Vijay’s direct interactions with residents have become a key feature of his campaign, while the DMK has used the increased outreach to question his earlier election strategy. The remarks from both sides underline the growing political contest surrounding the bye-election campaign.

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