Nainar Nagenthran Sparks Row Over Remarks Against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran sparked controversy on Saturday after making personal remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during a book launch programme held at the BJP headquarters in Chennai.

The comments, which drew swift criticism across political lines, referred back to a recent "father's missing" remark made by the Chief Minister in the legislative assembly. Nagenthran was speaking at the party headquarters about Vijay's statements concerning former chief minister M K Stalin's defeat in the Kolathur constituency when he made the remarks. In response to the backlash, Nagenthran dismissed the allegations, asserting that his statements had been misrepresented.

Ministers in the state government and TVK leaders strongly condemned the BJP leader's statements, terming them "uncivilised." Condemnation also came from within his own party ranks, with BJP vice-president Khushbu Sundar publicly denouncing the comments.

Reacting to the incident, Health and Family Welfare Minister K G Arunraj stated that the TVK government would not engage in a war of words and would instead respond to such statements through its governance and actions.

School Education Minister A Rajmohan also criticised Nagenthran, stating that such comments were unbefitting of someone holding a high political office. Rajmohan said the BJP leader spoke like a third-rate street-corner speaker and acted in a manner unfit for his position and dignity, adding that their party would remain committed to decent and civilised politics.