CHENNAI — Tamil Nadu’s opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a scathing attack on the state’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government Sunday, accusing it of failing to tackle persistent power cuts, soaring prices of essentials, and a breakdown in law and order.

Key facts

  • Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized TVK government for power cuts, price rise, law and order issues
  • He called Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay "uncivilized" and a "dummy"
  • Alleged government renamed DMK schemes instead of implementing new ones
  • Speech delivered in Chennai on September 13, 2026

Mounting Public Frustration

Speaking at a public function in Chennai, Stalin didn’t hold back. He described daily life under the current administration as a cycle of emerging problems — from electricity shortages to unaffordable groceries. "Every day, a new problem keeps emerging," he stated, his tone blending frustration with defiance. "There are power cuts. There is no need to tell how the law and order situation is in the State. The prices of essentials are on the rise."

A History of Standing With People

Stalin framed his criticism within the broader legacy of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which he said has always stood with the people through victories and defeats. Though the party lost the last election, he emphasized its role as an effective opposition force. His remarks came just two days before the DMK’s 77th anniversary, known as the ‘Mupperum Vizha’.

“In the history of Tamil Nadu, we have never seen such an uncivilised and a dummy Chief Minister [C. Joseph Vijay].”

The quote landed like a thunderclap — blunt, personal, and charged with political emotion.

Renaming Schemes, Not Delivering Results

Stalin accused the TVK government of hollow governance. Instead of rolling out new welfare programs, he claimed, it has merely rebranded existing schemes launched by the previous DMK administration. "This government is involved in renaming the schemes and pasting stickers," he said, painting a picture of a administration more focused on optics than outcomes.

Eyes on the Bypolls

Looking ahead, Stalin set the stage for upcoming by-elections, framing them as a referendum on the government’s performance. "We must teach a proper lesson to this dummy Chief Minister," he declared, signaling that the DMK intends to channel public discontent into political momentum. For many watching, it felt less like a speech and more like the opening salvo in a heated campaign season.