Internal Turmoil Hits Vijay’s TVK, Cadres Call for Removal of Bussy Anand
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is witnessing a growing internal revolt, with party cadres demanding the removal of General Secretary Bussy Anand. Once hailed as the organisational backbone of the party, Anand now faces widespread criticism over his absence and perceived inaction following the Karur crowd crush tragedy.
Backlash Over Leadership Lapses
Anand’s first public appearance on October 13, after going into hiding post-Karur incident, drew a storm of backlash online. Party supporters on social media referred to him as “Thalapathiyarin Theeiya Sakthi” (The Evil Force of the Commander), reflecting the deep resentment among TVK’s virtual warriors.
Many cadres accused Anand of abandoning the party during its most critical crisis, leaving junior members to handle backlash and defend the party without guidance. The unrest intensified when photos surfaced of Anand posing with district secretaries while the party was under scrutiny.
“Key leaders went underground after the Karur incident, leaving us directionless. The youngsters are asking tough questions, and the leadership has no answers,” a TVK member told TNM.
Voices of the Cadres
A discussion session on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces, titled ‘TVK Reality Check – Voice of Cadres’, drew more than 17,000 listeners and highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with Anand’s leadership.
Cadres accused him of prioritizing personal image over party growth:
“We’ve spent time, energy, and resources building Anand’s profile. His convoy of over 40 Fortuners followed him everywhere, but nothing was done to strengthen the party or support its ground workers,” said one supporter.
Petitions addressed to TVK Chief Vijay flooded social media, urging urgent restructuring of the party. One open letter read:
“The Karur tragedy exposed weaknesses in our organisational framework. We need capable leaders in every district who can take charge even in the absence of the chief. Power must be decentralised, and decisions should involve both experience and fresh perspectives.”
Calls for Leadership Reform
Cadres demanded changes in the General Secretary’s role, strategy, planning, and accessibility:
“Bussy Anand has proven ineffective. Even if immediate replacement isn’t possible, his duties should be shared with other capable members to ensure smooth functioning,” the petitions stated.
The controversy intensified after viral images showed Karur East District Secretary Mathiazhagan and party functionary Paunraj, both arrested in connection with the Karur tragedy and later released on bail, bowing to Anand at the TVK headquarters. This sparked the online campaign #KickOutBussyAnand, calling on Vijay to act decisively.
A Party at a Crossroads
The internal revolt exposes a leadership vacuum within TVK, highlighting the urgent need for structural reforms, decentralised decision-making, and stronger second-line leadership. As petitions and social media campaigns gather momentum, the party faces pressure to rebuild trust, strengthen its organisational framework, and ensure accountability at the top.