BJP state chief faces backlash over remarks targeting CM Vijay's mother

A political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu on August 15, 2026, after BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran made remarks widely interpreted as a personal attack on Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader C. Joseph Vijay's mother. Speaking at an event at the BJP state headquarters, Kamalalayam, in Chennai, Nagenthran referenced recent Assembly comments by Vijay about DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's father. Nagenthran responded by saying queries about a father's identity should be directed to one's mother at home, not raised in the legislature.

The comments triggered immediate and widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with critics accusing Nagenthran of crossing the boundaries of acceptable political discourse by targeting a leader's family. The incident marks the second time in recent months that Nagenthran has faced backlash for remarks involving Chief Minister Vijay, following an earlier controversy in February concerning actress Trisha.

Leaders of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam were among the first to respond. School Education Minister P. Rajmohan described Nagenthran's comments as not befitting a political leader of his stature, adding...