Vijay explains symbolism of his black-and-white attire

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay explained the symbolism behind his black-and-white attire, saying it reflects transparency and principles. He added that black carries a deeper historical significance in Tamil Nadu’s social justice and self-respect movements

Tiruchirappalli: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Josepth Vijay on Monday asked if a blazer could be used only by ‘dominant forces’ and said that his choice of black in his dress had a symbolic value.

In his maiden rally here — after winning the April 23 Assembly polls– to thank the people of Tiruchi-East Assembly segment from where he won and resigned the seat to retain Perambur, Vijay referred to him wearing a blazer and white and black clothes in his public appearances. He also referred to comments being made about it.

Politicians in Tamil Nadu usually wear a white shirt and a dhoti. Vijay asked: “Why? Shouldn’t we all wear a coat and a suit? Is it only for those in power, or is it only for dominant forces? The black (blazer) and white (shirt) is only to show that Vijay will be “black and white” in everything, he said.

Without elaborating, he also said that people also understood what black meant. In Tamil Nadu, coinciding with the rise of the Dravidian movement about a century ago, black had stood for resistance to oppression, loyalty to self-respect, social justice and lofty principles under the egalitarian goals.

Rejecting DMK’s accusation that he was in ‘mute’ mode, the CM said he does not give an explanation for everything and also does not go on talking. “In all (public) meetings, I have spoken only within a maximum of 20 minutes.” The TVK chief said people are telling him to focus only on his work for the sake of people’s welfare. They have told him that they would take care of those criticising him.

That does not mean that he had no political rivals, the CM said and reiterated that the political fight in Tamil Nadu was only between the TVK and the DMK, and other parties had no space before and after polls.

The meeting was organised by the TVK here, and the ‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ (Tamil invocation song) was sung first amid controversy that the Tamil invocation was accorded only the third place in the state functions attended by Governor Arlekar.