A high-ranking official of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has been accused over a social media post encouraging Tamil Nadu's "Gen Z" youth to draw inspiration from recent protests in Nepal and challenge what he said was a "wicked government."
The comments, by Aadhav Arjuna, General Secretary of TVK, went live on X (formerly Twitter) within less than 48 hours of a stampede during a Vijay rally in Karur leaving 41 dead. The timing attracted harsh criticism, especially from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Arjuna has been booked under sections 192, 196(1)(b), 197(1)(d), 353(1)(b), and 353(2) of the BNS.
The since-deleted post advocated for a "revolution" led by youths, referring to recent revolutions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. A screenshot that went viral has Arjuna saying, "A youth-led revolution is the only solution. 'Gen Z' revolted in Sri Lanka, Nepal against the ruling government. Here also the youth will lead a revolution.
He further said, "That revolution is going to be the cause for change of government. Even laws become wicked under an evil ruler," and also blamed Tamil Nadu police for attacking citizens "just for walking on the road" and detaining them "for giving opinions on social media."
DMK MP Kanimozhi called the remarks "irresponsible" and warned that they could incite violence.
TVK sources informed NDTV that the comments were Arjuna's own and not supported by the party or its chief. "The party and Vijay will never provoke people or violence," one of the sources explained, adding that the post was quickly taken down.
The party is coming under increasing criticism following the Karur tragedy, with the police holding the deaths due to what they termed as Vijay's "deliberate display of political power." TVK refuted this assertion, instead attributing alleged mismanagement by the authorities and a power cut.
Meanwhile, Arjuna has moved a petition before the Madras High Court to see that Vijay is permitted to meet with the families of deceased in Karur. He has also sought that the inquiry into the stampede, which is being carried out by Tamil Nadu police, be given over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure impartiality.
The DMK has rejected TVK's charges of conspiracy, asserting that organizers neglected safety measures. The police have pointed to unscheduled halts by Vijay's campaign vehicle and an unauthorized impromptu roadshow as the major instigators of the fatal crush.
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