Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay Faces Political Criticism and Calls for MSME Revival Package

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s concluding gesture in a recent Assembly speech provoked a sharp exchange of words. The Left, VCK and CPI leaders urged him to maintain decorum, with VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan stating, “Even comments that should be avoided on political platforms have no place in the Legislative Assembly.” CPM state secretary P Shanmugam echoed the call, warning that personal attacks undermine democratic debate.

The dispute intensified after the DMK‑aligned newspaper Murasoli criticised CPM leader K. Shanmugam for supporting Vijay to avoid President’s Rule, labeling the CPM’s stance as “political drama.” The CPM rebuffed the allegation, accusing the DMK of opportunistic alliance‑shifting.

Separately, the Tamil Nadu Boilers Association, representing around 150 surviving engineering MSMEs in Tiruchy, appealed to Vijay for a comprehensive revival package. The association’s letter requested enhanced bank credit, restructuring of non‑performing assets, timely customer payments and a GST amnesty scheme that would waive penalties and allow instalment settlements. It highlighted that only a third of the region’s former 450 engineering units remain operational after a decade of recession and pandemic‑related setbacks.