Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay responded Friday to a social media post by the DMK that used a coconut tree metaphor to criticize alliance partners [1].

This clash highlights the volatility of government formation in Tamil Nadu, where the loyalty of smaller parties is being questioned as new coalitions take shape. The exchange signals a deepening rift between the TVK-led cabinet and the DMK.

DMK spokesperson Raja Mudattangi posted a metaphor on X describing a "crooked coconut tree" to target the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) [1, 2]. The DMK sought to question the loyalty of these parties after they aligned with TVK's new cabinet [1, 3].

Vijay reacted to the post by accusing the DMK of arrogance. "The DMK's 'crooked coconut tree' remark is the peak of incivility," Vijay said [1]. He said that his alliance remains firm and will not be intimidated by petty metaphors [2].

The dispute has drawn attention from other political figures. Manickam Tagore, a Congress MP, said the irresponsible DMK spokespersons need to be mindful of their language [2].

While the DMK has characterized the shift in alliance as a betrayal, TVK has framed its response as a defense of its partners against uncivil political attacks [1, 3]. There are conflicting reports regarding the IUML's status, with some sources stating the party joined the TVK-led cabinet, while others report the party denies such support [1, 5].

The incident occurred on May 22, 2026 [1], during a period of intense negotiation over ministerial berths and government stability in the state.

“"The DMK's 'crooked coconut tree' remark is the peak of incivility."”

The use of poetic metaphors to attack political loyalty is a common feature of Tamil Nadu politics, but the sharp retort from Vijay suggests the TVK intends to establish a more aggressive posture against the DMK. This friction indicates that the current government formation is fragile, as the DMK continues to challenge the legitimacy and stability of the VCK and IUML's alignment with the TVK.