Rajinikanth's remarks about MK Stalin's handling of senior DMK leaders stirred controversy, drawing rebuttals from Minister Durai Murugan and BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan. They defended the senior leaders' long-term contributions, criticizing Rajinikanth for implying youth are sidelined. Udhayanidhi Stalin added that youth are eager to join DMK, praising Rajinikanth's speech.