Murasoli attacks Vijay over Trisha salute: Calls Independence Day episode ‘indecent and repulsive act’

CHENNAI: The DMK has sharply criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over his exchange of salutes with actor Trisha Krishnan during the Independence Day celebrations. The criticism appeared in an editorial published by Murasoli, the DMK's official mouthpiece, which also took issue with the seating arrangement at the event.

The incident in question took place during the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at Fort St George in Chennai. Trisha was seated in the front row alongside Vijay's parents at the ceremony where the Chief Minister hoisted the national flag. Visuals of Trisha saluting Vijay as he passed by in a vehicle while carrying out his official duties went viral. The two were subsequently seen exchanging salutes, with the visuals widely circulating on social media. The development has now triggered a political controversy.

“An actress was brought to the Independence Day programme and saluted. Even Vijay's own fans cannot accept this. How will the people accept it?” the Murasoli editorial asked.

The editorial criticised the incident as being inconsistent with the dignity attached to the office of the Chief Minister, and took issue with an actress being seated in the front row at the official function and the two exchanging salutes.

The editorial described the scene in strongly derogatory terms, calling it an “indecent and repulsive act” and questioning the justification for such conduct at an official Independence Day programme.

It also claimed that the incident had caused dissatisfaction among TVK voters.

The DMK's criticism comes amid a wider political controversy over Trisha's presence at the Independence Day function and the exchange of salutes between her and Vijay. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has not yet officially responded to the criticism.