Chennai/Dindigul: A sharp political exchange has erupted in Tamil Nadu after Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) propaganda secretary Nanjil Sampath launched a scathing attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami during a public meeting in Vedasandur, Dindigul district.

Addressing the gathering, Nanjil Sampath drew a provocative comparison between Palaniswami and a snake, questioning what difference existed between the two. He alleged that Palaniswami had “betrayed” V. K. Sasikala, who had elevated him to the post of Chief Minister, accusing him of sidelining her after assuming power.

To underline his criticism, Sampath narrated a parable. In the story, a snake fleeing from a hunting dog seeks refuge from a passerby, eventually hiding inside his body for safety. Once the danger passes, the snake refuses to leave, causing suffering to the man who saved it. Drawing a parallel, Sampath asked the audience to reflect on the similarity between the snake in the story and Palaniswami, delivering his remarks in an aggressive tone.

The remarks come at a time when the political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is heating up ahead of the Assembly elections. Political parties have begun sharpening their strategies, and TVK has signalled an assertive entry into the electoral arena.

Putting an end to speculation, the party leadership has made it clear that it will not enter into an alliance with any party in the upcoming elections. Soon after this announcement, TVK intensified its criticism of the principal opposition, AIADMK, directly targeting its leadership under Palaniswami in an apparent bid to assert its independent political identity.

The Vedasandur meeting is being seen as a marker of this shift, especially amid earlier rumours suggesting a possible covert understanding between TVK and AIADMK. Sampath’s fiery speech sought to firmly dispel such speculation.

AIADMK leaders, however, have hit back strongly. Party functionaries accused Sampath of political inconsistency, pointing out that he had once praised the same leadership he now criticises. They described his remarks as lacking political civility and questioned his credibility, citing his movement across multiple parties over the years.

Responding through comments and statements, AIADMK members asserted that Palaniswami remains a mass leader with significant public support and dismissed Sampath’s criticism as politically motivated. Some leaders also remarked that those speaking about “betrayal” should first reflect on their own political journeys.

Despite the sharp rhetoric from TVK, political observers believe Palaniswami is unlikely to treat the attack as significant. Having navigated multiple political challenges in the past, he is expected to respond in his characteristic style at an appropriate time.

Observers note that the AIADMK leadership remains confident that such criticisms will not dent its electoral strength, with Palaniswami preparing to demonstrate his political weight in the upcoming contest.