In a series of social media posts, the TVK's IT wing accused Stalin of hypocrisy and questioned his response to the corruption allegations against his former minister.
The party also targeted the DMK's political messaging, challenging its claims of clean governance amid the allegations.
TVK revives Karur stampede remarks to target DMK
The TVK IT wing referred to Mahesh's remarks following the September 2025 Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a rally addressed by Vijay.
At the time, Mahesh, who was serving as Education Minister, was seen breaking down in tears in a viral video while speaking about repeated appeals to the public to adhere to the safety conditions laid down for the gathering.
The TVK used those remarks to take a dig at the DMK leadership.
One of its social media posts featured the phrase "Conditions are followed", accompanied by a winking emoji, in an apparent reference to the former minister's emotional response after the tragedy.
'Were you sleeping while in power?': TVK targets Stalin
In another post, the TVK IT wing directly questioned Stalin over the corruption allegations involving DMK leaders.
"Stalin sir, who can't be caught... Were you sleeping while in power?" the post asked, accusing the DMK president of making statements without adequately addressing corruption charges against members of his party.
The post also used sharp and disparaging language to criticise Stalin's response to the allegations, escalating the political confrontation following Mahesh's arrest.
What are the allegations against Anbil Mahesh?
Mahesh was arrested by the Chennai Police's Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Monday, shortly after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition.
The case concerns allegations that money was collected from private school managements in exchange for permanent recognition, licences and other government approvals.
The alleged amount involved in the case is Rs 100 crore.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
TVK questions DMK's 'pure power' narrative
In a lengthy social media post, the TVK IT wing described the DMK as "corruption-soaked" and accused the ruling party of corruption across multiple sectors.
The post questioned the DMK's credibility in presenting itself as a champion of clean governance while its leaders face corruption allegations.
"Did you think that the corrupt power, the evil force DMK, which dons the guise of the virtuous, can wildly rant about 'pure power' from now on, and the people will sprinkle you with rosewater?" the post said.
The remarks reflect the TVK's attempt to turn the former minister's arrest into a broader political attack on the DMK's governance record and its claims of probity.
With the corruption case triggering fresh political sparring in Tamil Nadu, the exchange has added another flashpoint to the rivalry between the ruling DMK and Vijay's emerging political outfit.