CHENNAI: A day after delivering what was seen as a jaw-crushing jab on DMK president and former CM M K Stalin, chief minister C Joseph Vijay was on the backfoot on Tuesday after backlash from DMK and the Left parties for a hand gesture he made while referring to Stalin’s arrest under MISA during Emergency.
“Stalin suffered a broken jaw due to the brutal assault on him during his arrest under MISA.
Vijay said his gesture was not meant to mock anyone. I request it should not be interpreted as an act to hurt or offend anyone,’’ Vijay said in an X post. CM’s action is irresponsible,’’ he said, adding it amounted to body shaming. Vijay, who sang songs atop a bus while people were collapsing in Karur, has no idea of Tamil Nadu’s sacrifices,” said DMK legal wing joint secretary I Paranthamen.
“I wish to clarify the body language I displayed … was spontaneous and unintentional. There was no ulterior motive behind it. The Left parties are supporting the TVK govt without joining the cabinet. DMK leaders too hit hard. “Our leader is the only one in the nation to proudly bear the physical scars of MISA torture.