Vijay Launches TVK’s First Statewide Campaign from Tiruchi Amid Huge Turnout and Tight Restrictions

Chennai, Sept 2025 : Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay kicked off his party’s maiden statewide election campaign in Tiruchi on Saturday, drawing thousands of enthusiastic supporters. The campaign, titled “I am Coming” (Unga Vijay Naan Vaaren), marks the first major electoral push by TVK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Vijay’s campaign vehicle, a specially designed bus equipped with cameras, loudspeakers, and protective iron railings, set off from Panayur on Thursday and reached Tiruchi on Saturday morning. The star himself arrived by flight earlier in the day. However, the sheer size of the crowd led to significant delays. Media reports said Vijay was expected to interact with the public at 10:30 a.m., but the programme was postponed as supporters flooded the streets to greet him. In the sweltering heat, a pregnant woman and two children fainted while waiting to catch a glimpse of the actor, according to Thanthi TV.

Strict Conditions for Campaign Events

The Tiruchi rally is being held under unprecedented security and administrative restrictions. Authorities have imposed as many as 25 conditions for the gathering at Marakkadai, reflecting concerns over public safety and traffic disruptions.

Key conditions include: Vijay may speak only for 30 minutes between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; roadshows are strictly prohibited; and his convoy is limited to five vehicles in front and behind his campaign bus. Party workers must reach the venue by 9:30 a.m., and TVK is responsible for arranging ambulances, fire trucks, and medical facilities.

The guidelines further state that pregnant women, children, and differently-abled individuals should not attend the event. Loudspeakers, long flags, firecrackers, and digital banners are banned. Party cadres are forbidden from climbing trees or buildings, and TVK must ensure smooth movement for ambulances, school students, hospital-goers, and air travellers. Barricades must be installed by the party, and authorities reserve the right to stop the rally if any rule is violated.

Campaign Symbolism and Strategy

The TVK has unveiled its campaign slogans — “Your Vijay, I Will Not Fail” and “Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s Legacy Returns” — projecting the actor as a dependable leader capable of delivering change. The Ariyalur public rally, scheduled as the campaign’s first major stop, will allow Vijay to directly address supporters after arriving from Tiruchirapalli.

Political analysts view Tiruchi as a highly symbolic starting point. The city has long been central to Tamil Nadu’s political history. Former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) held AIADMK’s second state conference in Tiruchi, where he launched the landmark nutritious meal scheme and declared the city as the state’s second capital. Earlier, DMK founder C.N. Annadurai had chosen Tiruchi as the site to decide whether the party would contest elections, underscoring its role in shaping Dravidian politics.

By selecting Marakkadai, Vijay has stepped onto a stage that has hosted generations of political heavyweights. Only a few days ago, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami campaigned near the MGR statue in the same neighbourhood, reaffirming Tiruchi’s enduring significance as a political battleground.

A Potential Turning Point

For Vijay and the TVK, Saturday’s launch is more than a campaign event — it is an attempt to cement the party’s presence in Tamil Nadu’s complex political arena. Supporters believe the actor’s popularity, combined with disciplined organisation, could transform the rally into a turning point in state politics.

However, whether the star power and early enthusiasm can translate into sustained political momentum remains uncertain. With the 2026 Assembly polls on the horizon, TVK’s journey from celebrity appeal to political credibility has only just begun.