Vijay makes ‘mass’ re-entry into poll campaign, says TVK won't make empty promises

Chennai: With cinematic flair and trademark “mass” dialogues, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Sunday resumed his campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This was his first public address since the stampede at a party event in Karur on September 27 that claimed 40 lives.

Addressing supporters at a closed-door meeting in Kanchipuram, the actor-turned-politician targeted the ruling DMK, accusing it of “loot” and indirectly hinting at dynasty politics. 

He also outlined key welfare commitments that TVK plans to include in its election manifesto: housing for all families, a motorcycle for every household, financial assistance to purchase cars, better public hospitals, and inclusive policymaking with inputs from fishermen, weavers, teachers and government employees.

“We will ensure strict law and order and protect women,” he said.

He said he would not make any false promises, and that if he gave his word, he would not step back without fulfilling it.

Vijay criticised the DMK for questioning TVK’s ideology, asserting that his party rests on “solid ideological standpoints beginning with equality.” He said TVK would not make “empty promises” like the DMK did on NEET, and instead would press for shifting education from the Concurrent List to the State List.

Around 2,000 people, including TVK cadres, admirers and local residents, attended the meeting at an indoor auditorium in Sunguvarchathiram.

Repeatedly invoking CN Annadurai and MGR, Vijay said his political journey was inspired by their ideals. “Anna was born in this very district. MGR placed his image on the party flag because he believed in his vision. But what are those who inherited his party doing today?” he asked.

Vijay said the ruling party’s hostility would not deter him. “Personally, I have no enmity towards anyone. They may hate me, but that does not matter. But if they come to power by lying and pretending to be doing good, how can we stay silent? We will question them,” he said.

Drawing a symbolic connection to Kanchipuram, Vijay recalled beginning his first field visit in Parandur during the anti-airport protests. “With pain in my heart, I stand today in Anna’s birthplace,” he said, adding that his entry into politics had only one motive—“to work for the welfare of all Tamil people.”

He also alleged large-scale illegal sand mining in the Palar River.

“Palar is the lifeline of Kanchipuram. But the rulers who swear by Periyar and Anna have looted the river. They illegally extracted 22.7 lakh units of sand worth ₹4,730 crore. This is in court records and with the Enforcement Directorate,” he claimed.

Highlighting the plight of handloom weavers, Vijay noted that wages remain around ₹500 despite Kanchipuram’s global reputation. He compared their struggles to the hardships faced by Delta farmers during recent rains.

He also criticised the Stalin government for failing to modernise the decades-old Kanchipuram bus stand.

“They say there is a court case. But can’t they build another bus stand elsewhere?” he asked, while calling for a check dam near Avalur lake to meet local water needs.

Reiterating support for Parandur farmers protesting against the proposed airport, he said, “We will stand with them. The government cannot escape this issue.”

While concluding his speech, Vijay said that DMK is targeting his party, fearing public support. 

(With inputs from agencies)