In people's hearts: Stalin responds to Vijay

Chennai: DMK president MK Stalin on Thursday responded to Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's recent "where is your father?" jibe in the assembly, saying that he remains "in the hearts of the people."

The comments assume significance as Stalin, who led the DMK in the 2026 elections, suffered a shocking defeat in his Kolathur constituency. Since then, the former CM has remained outside the assembly, while his son, Udhayanidhi, serves as Leader of the Opposition. However, senior DMK leaders have been hinting at a possible return of the party chief to the House through the by-election route.

"Whether I am in the assembly or not, I am in the people's forum. I have been in politics for 60 years and have always been with the people," Stalin said at a family wedding function of former minister U Mathivanan. He also advised Vijay to focus on governance rather than looking for him in the assembly.