Vijay condemns DMK government over ‘denial’ of subsidy to Tirunelveli fishermen for TVK affiliation

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Thursday (July 10, 2025) accused the DMK government of denying subsidies to some fishermen in Tirunelveli district because their boats bore the name of his party.

In a statement, Mr. Vijay said a section of fishermen from Kootapuli village in Tirunelveli district, who are also TVK supporters, had painted the name of the party on their fishing boats. Government officials, however, informed them that they would not be eligible for subsidies if they continued to display the party’s name, he claimed.

“Who issued instructions to government officials not to provide subsidies to fishermen whose boats displayed the TVK name? Would the same standard be applied if boats displayed the DMK name or flag?” he questioned.

“The subsidy given to fishermen is not from the DMK’s personal money. It is the taxpayers’ money. Regardless of political affiliation, all eligible fishermen are entitled to receive it,” he said, terming the alleged action as “autocratic behaviour”.

He also accused the Union and State governments of failing to take meaningful steps, such as reclaiming or leasing the Katchatheevu island, to bring about a lasting solution to the problems faced by fishermen.

He threatened to launch a protest if the State government continued such “discriminatory” treatment toward fishermen.