Why TVK cabinet expansion sparked fresh DMK-VCK political clash
DMK leader A Raja’s ‘bent coconut tree’ remark has triggered a fierce political clash as the rise of TVK reshapes Tamil Nadu politics
Tamil Nadu politics has witnessed another major confrontation after senior DMK leader and MP A Raja sparked controversy with a cryptic social media remark aimed at the VCK and the IUML.
The comment came shortly after both parties joined the TVK-led government headed by Chief Minister Vijay during the latest cabinet expansion.
Also read: VCK, IUML in TVK coalition: DMK’s ‘bent coconut tree’ jibe sparks row
Raja used the Tamil term muttatthengu, meaning “a bent coconut tree”, and suggested that such a tree benefits the neighbour more than the owner. Drawing a political parallel, he questioned what such a situation should be called in politics, in an apparent criticism of the VCK and the IUML for switching sides after the elections.
The remarks immediately triggered sharp reactions from the VCK and also drew criticism from the ruling TVK government.
Political disruption in TN
The controversy erupted after VCK MLA Vanni Arasu and IUML MLA A M Shahjahan were sworn in as ministers in the TVK-led cabinet. Arasu was assigned the social justice portfolio, while Shahjahan was given charge of minorities welfare.
The latest developments come amid a dramatic transformation in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape after the 2026 Assembly elections.
For nearly six decades, Tamil Nadu politics revolved around the DMK and the AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK disrupted the traditional political order by emerging as the single largest party in its electoral debut.
TVK secures majority
The TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, while the DMK was reduced to around 59 seats and the AIADMK won about 47 seats.
Though the TVK did not secure a clear majority on its own, it formed the government with support from the Congress, the VCK, the IUML and several Left parties.
Also read: VCK MP bats for cabinet berth, says Vijay shouldn't induct AIADMK rebels
Interestingly, the Congress, the VCK and the IUML had contested the elections as part of the DMK-led alliance. After the results, however, the parties shifted their support to the TVK, arguing that the move would ensure better representation and participation in governance.
VCK response
Despite extending support to the TVK government, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan had earlier clarified that the party had not withdrawn its criticism of the TVK and continued to see the party as aligned with the “RSS-BJP”.
The VCK strongly condemned Raja’s statement and described the remarks as the height of political incivility. Party leaders accused the DMK of displaying arrogance towards smaller parties rooted in social justice politics.
VCK leaders also asserted that the party had built its political strength through the struggles and sacrifices of oppressed communities and not through the support or mercy of larger political parties.
TVK attack
The ruling TVK also criticised Raja’s remarks. Minister Adhav Arjuna said the DMK no longer represented the ideals of duty, dignity and discipline.
He further stated that Chief Minister Vijay was attempting to build a new political culture in Tamil Nadu by rejecting caste politics, religious politics and money politics.
The latest exchange has once again highlighted the rapidly shifting alliances and deepening tensions in Tamil Nadu politics after the 2026 elections, with the rise of the TVK continuing to reshape the state’s political equations.
“What should such a situation be called in politics?” Raja asked in his controversial social media post, referring to the “bent coconut tree” analogy.
“The DMK no longer stands for duty, dignity and discipline,” said TVK minister Adhav Arjuna while responding to the controversy.
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