Karnataka Deputy CM Criticizes Vijay as Immature Politician Amid Election Tensions

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has publicly criticized Vijay, the leader of the Tamilga Vetrik Kazhagam, labeling him as an immature politician. This statement follows Vijay's allegations against the Congress party regarding financial misconduct. As tensions rise within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, Shivakumar plans to campaign in the state, asserting that their alliance will achieve a significant electoral victory. The ongoing power-sharing disputes between Congress and the DMK further complicate the situation, with negotiations over seat allocations stalling. This article delves into the unfolding political drama in Tamil Nadu.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 14:13 IST

Shivakumar Responds to Vijay's Allegations

In a recent statement, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar labeled Vijay, the leader of the Tamilga Vetrik Kazhagam (TVK), as an immature politician. This remark came in response to allegations made by Vijay during an election speech on April 8, where he accused the Congress party of financial misconduct, claiming that Chief Minister Stalin had funneled millions to Tamil Nadu Congress leaders, keeping the funds for himself. Shivakumar asserted that the true Congress stands united with them.

Political Divisions and Future Plans

Vijay further claimed that both the Congress-DMK alliance and the Congress party itself are internally fractured. In his rebuttal, Shivakumar stated to reporters that Vijay is not aligned with the Indian National Congress but rather with the DMK, suggesting that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) might be supporting him. He also announced plans to campaign in Tamil Nadu, confidently predicting that their alliance would secure a two-thirds majority.

Recent Tensions in Tamil Nadu Politics

Tensions escalated in February when a faction of Congress's Tamil Nadu leadership demanded power-sharing with the DMK, leading to public statements on the matter. In March, discussions regarding seat allocations stalled as Congress sought more than 30 seats, while the DMK was only willing to offer 25. Senior Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu reached out to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who subsequently raised the issue with Sonia Gandhi. Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram was dispatched to negotiate with the DMK.