Periyar, TVK, Janmashtami: Vijay’s Krishna Jayanti Greeting Sparks Fresh Ideological Row
While Periyar remains a guiding figure for TVK, Vijay has previously said that he disagrees with Periyar on matters of faith
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay extended greetings on the occasion of Sri Krishna Jayanti, wishing for a world that follows Lord Krishna’s message of moving forward on the path of righteousness.
Vijay’s greetings come against the backdrop of the Tamil Nadu political discourse over the Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam’s ideological position. Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had not issued greetings on Hindu festivals. While Periyar remains a guiding figure for TVK, Vijay has previously said that he disagrees with Periyar on matters of faith.
அனைவரின் இல்லங்களும் உள்ளங்களும் மகிழ்ச்சியால் நிறையும் கிருஷ்ண ஜெயந்தி திருநாளில் அனைவருக்கும் எனது மனமார்ந்த நல்வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) September 4, 2026
அநீதிக்கு எதிரான அறம் வெல்லும், எத்தகைய சூழலிலும் கடமை தவறாது செயல்பட வேண்டும், தர்மத்தின் வழியில்⁰மன உறுதியுடனும்…
Vijay’s Janmashtami message drew criticism from DMK-linked cyber handles, which questioned whether the gesture was consistent with the ideology of a party that follows Periyar. Some also questioned Lord Krishna’s connection with Tamil Nadu.
The comments, however, also triggered a counter-response from Vijay’s supporters and right-wing social media handles. They defended the TVK leader, arguing that, unlike the DMK, Vijay does not follow a policy of appeasement.