MADURAI: Claiming that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president actor Vijay was merely opposing the DMK and the BJP only for political relevance, the saffron party leader Sarathkumar said, “I still haven't accepted the TVK leader as a politician as he hasn't clearly articulated his party’s ideology."

Sarathkumar added that while the BJP was the largest party in the world, the AIADMK and DMK remained the dominant political forces in Tamil Nadu. He said that his campaign for the Assembly polls would bring about political change in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Joining the issue over the rural job scheme, he said that the NDA government at the Centre has no intention of removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Sarathkumar said the Centre’s focus remained on strengthening rural livelihoods and pointed out that the number of guaranteed workdays under the scheme had been increased from 100 to 125. He said the State government should consider utilising the enhanced provision.

Sarathkumar also dismissed claims that the Union government was exerting pressure on Tamil Nadu, stating that nearly 90 per cent of welfare schemes implemented in the State were funded by the Centre. He accused the ruling DMK of taking political advantage of these schemes.

Criticising the DMK, Sarathkumar said it was ironic for the party to speak about secularism while, according to him, it celebrated Christmas but avoided participating in Deepavali and other Hindu festivals. He expressed hope that a positive solution would emerge in the Tiruparankundram Deepam issue, in line with the expectations of devotees seeking to light lamps at Deepathoon.