Tamil Nadu politics has heated up once again after former Chief Minister MK Stalin responded sharply to a remark made by Chief Minister Vijay during a recent Assembly session. The controversy began when CM Vijay, while replying to the Governor’s address, took a dig at DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin by asking, “Where is your father?” The comment was seen as a reference to MK Stalin’s absence from the Assembly following his defeat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Responding to the criticism, DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin said that his influence does not depend on his physical presence in the Assembly. Addressing a public gathering in Tiruvarur, Stalin stated that people should not look for “Appa” inside the Assembly because he continues to live in the hearts of the people. He emphasized that whether he attends the House or not, he remains connected to the public and continues to enjoy their support. The exchange has triggered strong political reactions across the state. DMK leaders viewed Vijay’s comment as a personal attack on Stalin and the party. They also hinted that the veteran leader could contest upcoming by-elections and make a return to the legislative assembly. Following Stalin’s defeat in the Kolathur constituency during the 2026 elections, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin was chosen as the leader of the DMK legislative party and now serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. The controversy has also drawn criticism from allies and opposition figures. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said that such personal remarks were not appropriate for someone holding the office of Chief Minister and suggested that Vijay should have avoided making comments targeting political families. The “Appa” remark has since become a major talking point in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.