Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Vaiko: Vijay Will Stay in Tamil Nadu, Not Seek Premiership
Vaiko said Vijay wants to remain focused on Tamil Nadu.
He said Vijay would not leave the state to try to become prime minister.
Vaiko also said Vijay would defend Tamil Nadu’s position on the Mekedatu dispute.
The comments came as tensions continued over the deaths of three Tamil farmers in Karnataka.
Vaiko called for the people responsible to be punished severely.
He asked Karnataka to pay ₹10 crore to each victim’s family.
Vaiko criticized Karnataka leader D.K. Shivakumar’s comments about outside interference.
He also accused Amit Shah of reducing states’ powers and pushing Hindi.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would not leave Tamil Nadu to pursue the prime minister’s post.
Vaiko said Vijay would protect Tamil Nadu’s rights on the Mekedatu issue during talks with Karnataka counterpart D.K. Shivakumar.
He called Shivakumar’s remarks about interference in Karnataka affairs arrogant after three Tamil farmers were killed.
Vaiko demanded severe punishment for those responsible and ₹10 crore compensation for each victim’s family.
He accused Union Minister Amit Shah of weakening states’ rights and promoting Hindi imposition.
- Who
- MDMK general secretary Vaiko, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Karnataka counterpart D.K. Shivakumar, and Union Minister Amit Shah.
- What
- Vaiko commented on Vijay’s political future, the Mekedatu issue, the deaths of three Tamil farmers, compensation demands, and state rights.
- When
- Wednesday.
- Where
- Chennai airport; the broader disputes involve Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Why
- Vaiko was addressing questions about Vijay’s possible prime-ministerial ambitions and criticizing Karnataka’s response to the farmers’ deaths and the Union government’s approach to state powers.
- Speaker
- MDMK general secretary Vaiko
- Leader discussed
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
- Mekedatu position
- Vaiko said Vijay would not give away Tamil Nadu’s rights on the issue.
- Deaths cited
- Three Tamil farmers were killed in Karnataka, according to Vaiko.
- Compensation demand
- ₹10 crore for each victim’s family.
- Punishment demand
- Vaiko called for the culprits to be brought to justice and punished severely.
- Additional criticism
- Vaiko accused Amit Shah of acting against states’ rights and insisting on Hindi imposition.