India, Oct. 26 -- Senior DMK leader Dindigul Leoni has triggered a political controversy by comparing former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's influence in the state to Lord Rama's sandals symbolically ruling Ayodhya during his exile, while predicting that the tenure of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's TVK government could last only 14 weeks.

Speaking at an event, Leoni said people continued to remember Stalin because of welfare schemes and other initiatives launched by the previous DMK government, even after he left office.

"Just as Lord Rama's sandals once ruled Ayodhya, your slippers are ruling this state," Leoni said, addressing Stalin.

Citing schemes such as the Magalir Urimai financial assistance programme for women, the mornin...