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Actor-turned-politician Vijay began his first election campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, and accused both the BJP and DMK of cheating the people.
TVK chief Vijay addressing a rally in Tiruchirappalli. (PTI)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Saturday began his maiden statewide campaign from Tiruchirappalli ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, where he attacked the ruling DMK party for unfulfilled poll promises in their election manifesto and the BJP for “tormenting people.
The actor-turned-politician addressed a massive crowd with a reference to tradition, saying, “In the olden days, before going to war, kings would first visit their family deities for blessings. Similarly, before heading into an electoral battle, I wanted to meet and greet my people,” he said.
Vijay outlined the significance of choosing Tiruchirappalli for his maiden election campaign, saying it was the place where DMK founder CN Annadurai decided in 1956 to enter the electoral race, and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran held his first state conference in 1974 after forming the government.
Vijay pitched the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections as a battle for the people, asserting that neither the DMK nor the BJP would be spared. “We will not spare the BJP that torments people, nor the DMK that cheats them,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.
‘Unfulfilled Promises’
Vijay targeted several promises made in the DMK’s 2021 election manifesto that remain unfulfilled. “Out of the 505 assurances they made, what has been implemented? Where is the Rs 3 reduction in diesel prices, the monthly electricity bill calculation, the waiver of student education loans, 40% job reservation for women in government services, the restoration of the old pension scheme, and the filling of two lakh government vacancies?” he said.
He accused the MK Stalin government of ignoring real issues of the people, citing a recent illegal kidney sale racket. “Women are allowed free travel in buses, but are humiliated by being mocked for travelling for free. The promise of Rs 1,000 for all women has not been fulfilled, and those who received it are showcased for publicity,” he added.
Vijay On BJP’s ‘Betrayal’
The actor-politician also attacked the BJP-led Centre for denying critical funds meant for disaster relief in Tamil Nadu, ignoring the plight of Tamil fishermen attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, and turning its back to the distress of students after the NEET exam controversy.
He also assailed the Central government for attempting to impose Hindi and Sanskrit against Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy. He also described the One Nation, One Election plan as an “electoral manipulation” and warned that the upcoming delimitation exercise would reduce South India’s political strength, NDTV reported.
“These are just a few samples of the betrayals the BJP government at the Centre has done,” he said. “The BJP government deceives Tamil Nadu. The Stalin government deceives Tamils with trust. One is betrayal, the other is fraud – both are crimes against democracy.”
Vijay assured that TVK would focus on education, electricity, healthcare, women’s safety, and legal reforms without compromise. “We will only promise what is practically possible, not empty words. Victory is certain,” he asserted.
Vijay intends to present his party, TVK, as a third front in Tamil Nadu politics, an alternative to both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The TVK will be contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections for the first time since its founding in 2024.
Vijay earlier said the TVK understands the pulse of the people and the current political landscape. According to the schedule released by TVK, his state-wide political campaign will span 98 days until December 20, with events held mainly on Saturdays, except on December 5, which falls on a Sunday.
(with inputs from ANI)
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
Tiruchirappalli, India, India
September 13, 2025, 20:29 IST
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