‘Can’t get up?’ Vijay’s rare gesture towards DMK MLA sparks table-thumping in TN Assembly

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, who led his party to a victory in the state assembly election a few months ago, is drawing attention for a display of political courtesy. Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s gesture of helping a DMK MLA amid chaos in the state Assembly on Monday caught the attention of social media users and drew reactions from ministers and other members present in the House.Amid a tense scene in the state assembly, CM Vijay extended his hand to help Chandrasekhar get up. This gesture drew reactions from members present. (PTI)The actor-turned-politician, who led his party to a landslide victory in the state assembly election a few months ago, drew attention for this display of political courtesy when he extended a helping hand to Durai Chandrasekhar, an Opposition leader, after DMK MLAs staged a 'dharna' on the floor in front of the Speaker.Also Read | Vijay slams 'double-meaning' remarks against women, invokes Jayalalithaa insult after Trisha rowHelping hand amid ‘dharna’: What happenedThe DMK MLAs were seeking an opportunity to respond to chief minister Vijay’s speech. After they were denied the chance to speak, the party legislators decided to stage a walkout from the Assembly. However, Thiruvaiyaru DMK MLA Durai Chandrasekhar remained seated.When Vijay noticed that Chandrasekhar had not joined the walkout, he asked why the MLA was not leaving with the other DMK leaders, news agency PTI reported. Chandrasekhar replied that he was unable to get up from his seat. Vijay then asked, “What do you mean you can't get up?”The chief minister subsequently rose from his seat and extended his hand to help Chandrasekhar stand up. The DMK MLA thanked Vijay with folded hands before joining the walkout.The exchange drew the attention of ministers and other members in the House, who reportedly appreciated Vijay’s gesture by thumping the tables. A purported video of the interaction that surfaced on social media showed Vijay helping Chandrasekhar get up before returning to his seat.Also Read | Sparks fly in TN Assembly as CM Vijay cites ED papers to target DMK over serious graft; Oppn party stages walkout after ruckusVijay slams defamatory remarks against womenEarlier, chief minister Vijay stated that any abusive language or defamatory remarks against women would not be tolerated.Addressing the state assembly session, Vijay said, "If anyone talks in a derogatory manner about women, stern action is assured."Also Read | Rahul to be ‘face of INDIA bloc’ in 2029: Cong's Venugopal amid TVK's ‘Vijay for PM’ pitchVijay vs DMK in Tamil Nadu assemblyVijay alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had accused the DMK of corruption through party funds.The CM claimed that the ED had mentioned former chief minister MK Stalin and leader of opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin in connection with the alleged collection of money in the name of party funds.Vijay said, "ED has mentioned all the corruption charges; former CM Karunanidhi abused his power, all the evidence is here, they will run if we say it; MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin are direct beneficiaries of party funds.""The DMK challenged me to open three department files which I said were corrupt during the previous DMK regime. Before I open them, I want to read the Sarkaria Commission report on the DMK government's corruption in 1988. The Sarkaria Commission, in its report, has highlighted and accused former Chief Minister Karunanidhi of abusing his official position as Chief Minister," he noted.(with inputs from PTI)Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi. Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments. Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events. Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read MoreTvkVijayTamil NaduDmkGet the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather major national developments and Karnataka Bandh LIVE.