Senior AIADMK leader RB Udayakumar on Friday launched a verbal attack on the ruling government in Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alleging that an ‘undeclared government holiday’ had been observed across the state in light of the release of Chief Minister (CM) Joseph Vijay’s latest and final film, Jana Nayagan.

While addressing the media at a press conference, the state’s former CM questioned whether Tamil Nadu had ever seen a situation where the entire state machinery appeared to shift its focus from governance to the release of a film.

He asked, “Has Tamil Nadu even seen in history an undeclared government holiday implemented not just for the ruling party; from the Chief Minister to the ministers, but for the entire state?”

Udayakumar alleges CM Vijay skipped responsibilities

The veteran AIADMK leader then alleged that CM Vijay skipped his routine administrative responsibilities at Fort St George on a working day to mark the release of his farewell project. Furthermore, he claimed that several ministers of the state and ruling party MLAs followed suit by visiting theatres and sharing celebratory reels on social media instead of discharging public duties.

According to him, the government’s attention appeared to be centred on the movie rather than the administration of the state. He remarked, “Instead of focusing on governance, the government’s primary task yesterday seemed to be enjoying the movie,” criticising what he termed ‘misplaced priorities.’

He also took exception to a minister’s reported appeal to celebrate the film’s release like a festival, alleging that the fanfare resulted in disorder in several parts of the state.

Udayakumar questions Govt’s priorities

The leader then took a swipe at ministers who were reportedly moved to tears while watching the film, questioning whether such emotions reflected genuine concern for the people of Tamil Nadu.

He asked whether those tears were shed over pressing public issues, including the state’s inability to secure adequate water from the Cauvery River for Delta farmers, Karnataka’s alleged refusal to release water, or the long-standing dispute over the proposed Mekedatu Dam Project.

Continuing his critique of the TVK, he then cited a string of recent controversies, asking whether the ministers had shown similar concern over reports of a patient allegedly having a finger bitten by a rat in a government hospital or the recent custodial death of a youth identified as Arunachalam.

Furthermore, he questioned the government’s record on preventing custodial deaths, ensuring women’s safety and tackling the alleged trafficking of narcotics across the state.

Warning issued over influence on youngsters

Expressing concern over the growing influence of cinema on younger generations, Udayakumar said many Gen-Zs were being drawn towards ‘punch dialogues’ and the larger-than-life image projected by film icons.

He argued that youngsters should distinguish between cinematic entertainment and effective governance, asserting that public perception would eventually be shaped by administrative performance rather than on-screen popularity.

He said, “The right judgment will come with time,” adding that what he described as CM Vijay’s ‘magic image’ would fade eventually, enabling people, particularly the youth, to draw a difference between cinematic glamour and real governance.