Days after a DMK leader faced backlash for remarks about an actress close to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, the party’s publication Murasoli published an editorial criticizing his actions at an official Independence Day event. The piece faulted Vijay for placing the actress in the front row alongside his parents at Fort St George and for exchanging salutes with her during the flag hoisting on Saturday. It described the conduct as lacking dignity and propriety. The editorial stated that the chief minister’s dignity appeared compromised and that the repeated salutes were difficult for supporters to accept. The actress attended the state government’s Independence Day program in a yellow saree and was observed saluting during the proceedings. Her appearances at official functions, including the chief minister’s swearing-in earlier, have drawn public attention amid ongoing speculation about her relationship with Vijay. Vijay’s wife had filed for divorce in February citing several grounds but withdrew the petition recently. The editorial suggested that even the chief minister’s supporters disapproved of inviting the actress to the national event. The criticism follows the brief arrest of DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on August 4 over comments about the actress, after which he was released on bail.
