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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has denied allegations that he mocked DMK chief MK Stalin’s physical condition through a gesture made during his speech in the state Assembly. The controversy erupted after Vijay appeared to touch his jaw while referring to the DMK’s repeated references to the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971 (MISA) during the Emergency. DMK leaders criticised the gesture, claiming it resembled a mockery of Stalin’s jaw injury.

Vijay Issues Clarification

In a social media post, Vijay referred to his speech in the Assembly on September 7 during the debate on the police department’s demands.

சட்டமன்றத்தில் 7.9.2026 அன்று காவல்துறை மானிய கோரிக்கையில், என்னுடைய பதிலுரையின் இடையேயான எனது உடல்மொழி எதேச்சையாக வெளிப்பட்டதுதானே தவிர, அது எவ்வகையிலும் உள்நோக்கம் கொண்டதில்லை என்பதைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். ஆகவே, தனிப்பட்ட முறையில் யார் மனதையும் புண்படுத்துகிற செயலாக அதை…

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 8, 2026

He said the body language displayed while delivering his response was an unintentional expression and was not motivated by any personal intention. Vijay appealed to people not to interpret the gesture as something intended to hurt anyone personally.

The clarification comes after the gesture triggered criticism from the DMK and others.

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Why The Gesture Sparked Row

Vijay was responding to allegations and criticism raised by the Opposition during the Assembly session when he referred to the DMK’s repeated references to the MISA period.

While discussing MK Stalin, Vijay made a gesture involving his jaw. The gesture was criticised as an apparent attempt to mock Stalin.

Stalin has previously spoken publicly about his arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). During his detention at Chennai Central Prison, he has said he was severely assaulted by police, resulting in a broken jaw.

The gesture therefore drew criticism on social media, with several users saying it appeared inappropriate for a chief minister.

DMK, CPM React

The controversy also drew criticism from DMK leaders. CPI(M) state general secretary Shanmugam also condemned the gesture.

சென்னை மத்திய சிறையில் 1976 பிப்ரவரி முதல் 1977 பிப்ரவரி வரையிலான கால அளவில் அரசியல் கைதிகளை கொடுமைப்படுத்தியதாகவும், கூறப்படும் குற்றச்சாட்டுகள் குறித்து விசாரணை செய்வதற்காக நியமிக்கப்பட்ட விசாரணை கமிஷன் அறிக்கையும், அதன் மீது அரசியல் ஆணையும், இதுதான்.

திமுக வழக்கறிஞர் அணி… pic.twitter.com/WRLFg9LCzs

— DMK (@arivalayam) September 8, 2026

Earlier, Tamil Nadu minister Aadhav Arjuna had defended Vijay, saying the chief minister’s body language had been misunderstood.

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