There is talk that DMK was behind your decision to opt out.
The DMK leadership had nothing to do with my decision. Minister M R K Panneerselvam, who campaigned for me in many elections, was the first to reach out and express happiness over my candidature. But he expressed his concern that the decision might be perceived as forcing a by-election in Chidambaram.
Is there no candidate from VCK for the constituency? Why did you opt to field someone from Congress?
Fielding anyone from the party will cause yet another issue as the constituency was represented by party general secretary Sinthanai Selvan, who is shifted to Cheyyur constituency. So, we considered Ruby Esther, wife of late E Nandakumar (youngest son of the late dalit leader Elayaperumal). Nandakumar was an active VCK functionary during his lifetime. But she belongs to the Christian nadar community and cannot be fielded in a Kattumannarkoil (reserved) constituency.
Finally, we decided to field Jothi Mani, who was one of the sons of Elayaperumal, after obtaining his consent. Offering the seat to a member of Elayaperumal’s family will be accepted by everyone. We also consider this as a mark of respect for the late leader’s service to society.
For three decades, VCK has not faced charges of dynastic politics. Your decision to field your niece in Kallakurichi has triggered nepotism charges.
I do not see her candidature as dynastic politics. My niece Malathi’s husband Thirukumaran (alias) Kumaran has been working for the party for a long time, and his contribution has been significant. It is not right to ignore a person’s potential simply because of a family association. Denying an opportunity to a deserving candidate just because they are related to a leader is not right.
You have been reiterating that BJP would weaken AIADMK.
If AIADMK wins fewer seats, BJP will dismantle it. BJP appropriates its allies to grow. BJP will build a narrative — DMK vs BJP — for the 2029 election. Vijay is also trying to position himself as an alternative to AIADMK. Only the election result can determine the fight between the three parties for number 2. We have to see whether AIADMK will retain its position, BJP will win a decent number of seats and establish itself as a force, or Vijay will secure 10% of votes and claim TVK is the primary force against DMK.
There is a perception that Vijay will also take away a significant number of minority and dalit votes.
He is a popular actor with good traction among youngsters. But he will be a spoiler rather than a force. Vijayakanth had a similar impact when he entered politics and got 8% of votes. The TVK leader’s media-created hype — that he will take minority and dalit youth votes in large sections — is a myth. Vijay will eat into AIADMK votes. He is knowingly or unknowingly — extending support to BJP’s agenda.
EPS and other opposition leaders suggest there is a fracture in the DMK alliance.
Unlike the AIADMK-led front, we are ideology-based partners. We have moved past seat-sharing tussles and remain committed to victory. EPS is stuck in the past. VCK will not compromise its ideology or the state’s interests for the sake of a few seats.
With a missed meeting during the Puducherry campaigns, are we seeing the first signs of a falling out between Stalin and Gandhi?
No. We cannot respond to narratives built on social media posts regarding their rapport. I see nothing unusual in them not meeting in Puducherry as their schedules were planned well in advance. To suggest a rift is baseless. On the ground, DMK and congress functionaries are working in unison.