Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 18 : DMK leader and former PRO and manager for Tamil actor-politician Vijay, PT Selvakumar, on Tuesday criticised TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna over his remarks about superstar Rajinikanth, using a strong metaphor to drive home his point.
"An Attakathi (small knife) can never become a Pattakathi (sword). Perception is different from truth," Selvakumar said, emphasising that appearances and reality are often very different.
Responding to a question about Arjuna's remarks regarding Rajinikanth, Selvakumar said such statements should not be made in public. He further stressed that young leaders should be guided carefully, "like nurturing a drumstick tree by pruning it properly."
Reflecting on the past, Selvakumar said he and Vijay's father worked tirelessly, going door-to-door with portfolios to build a positive image for Vijay in his early career.
Criticising Arjuna, he stated that someone who entered the political scene only six months ago was making immature comments.
On the political landscape, Selvakumar expressed confidence that Kanyakumari would become a stronghold of the DMK.
Meanwhile, superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday condemned the "slanderous remarks" made by TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna about him and said that "time will give the answer".
In an official message posted on X, the actor flagged concerns over Arjuna's remarks and called them "contrary to the truth". He further expressed gratitude towards the political leaders, fans and media members who criticised the "derogatory" remarks.
"Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, who holds a leadership position in the TVK party (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), recently expressed an opinion about me that was contrary to the truth. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Leader of the Opposition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP President Mr. Nainar Nagendran, Union Minister Mr. L. Murugan, Tamil Nadu Minister Mr. Raghupathy, Mr. Thol. Thirumavalavan, Mr. S.P. Velumani, friend Mr. Annamalai, Mr. Arjunamurthy, Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Mr. G.K. Vasan, Mr. John Pandian, Mr. Pugalenthi, and many other political leaders, Mr. Ameer, Mr. G. Dhananjayan, and other friends from the film industry, Mr. Nakkheeran Gopal, Chanakyaa Mr. Rangaraj Pandey, members of the media, and my beloved fans (whom I consider the gods who keep me living), for condemning his defamatory remarks and raising their voices in my support," the actor wrote in the message.
"Time does not speak, but it waits and gives the answer," he added.