VCK, IUML in TVK coalition: DMK’s ‘bent coconut tree’ jibe sparks row

Senior DMK leader A Raja has triggered a sharp war of words by using a classical Tamil literary metaphor to mock Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for joining the cabinet of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Raja, a DMK MP and deputy general secretary, posted on X: “If the coconut tree in my garden bends over and gives tender coconut to the neighbour's house, in literature it is called ‘mudattange’ (bent coconut tree). What name should we give it in politics?” The remark was widely interpreted as a jibe at VCK MLA V Vanni Arasu and IUML MLA AM Shahjahan, who were sworn in as ministers in the TVK-led government on Friday. Vanni Arasu got the social justice portfolio, while Shahjahan was assigned minorities welfare.

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The VCK strongly condemned Raja’s remark, describing it as the “peak of incivility” and reflective of the DMK’s “arrogance” towards smaller, social justice-oriented parties. The party asserted that it had built its base through the “sweat and blood” of oppressed communities and did not grow “at the mercy” of any larger party.

The ruling TVK condemned Raja’s remarks as crossing the boundaries of political decency. “We strongly condemn A Raja's post. Today, the DMK lacks duty, dignity, and discipline,” said TN Minister Aadhav Arjuna. “Chief Minister Vijay has completely rejected politics driven by caste, religion, and money,” he added.