Vijay Declares 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections a Direct Contest with DMK, Promises ‘People-First’ Governance

Chennai, Sept 2025: Actor-turned-politician Vijay, president of the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), on Saturday declared that the 2026 Assembly elections will be a direct political contest between his party and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Speaking in Namakkal as part of his district-wide weekend tour, Vijay accused the DMK of deceiving voters with unfulfilled promises and positioned the TVK as a “people-first alternative” that prioritizes practical solutions over flashy but empty pledges.

Vijay’s visit to Namakkal drew massive crowds, with thousands of TVK supporters lining the streets to welcome him. The enthusiastic reception delayed his arrival at the campaign venue by nearly six hours. Once on stage, he addressed the audience for approximately 15 minutes, sharply criticizing the DMK government while evoking Tamil identity and local pride. He described Namakkal as “not just the land of eggs and chickens, but the land of the Tamil spirit,” invoking poet V. Ramalingam Pillai’s call for Tamils to stand resolute in their rights and heritage.

Highlighting Namakkal’s historical contributions to social justice, Vijay reminded the audience of P. Subbarayan, whose efforts secured reservation rights for backward and Scheduled Caste communities. He read out several DMK manifesto promises, including grain warehouses in every union, government procurement and oil production from copra, distribution of natural sweeteners in ration shops, and restoration of the old pension scheme for all categories of state employees. “They said this. Did they do it?” he asked pointedly, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Vijay also criticized successive state governments for neglecting Namakkal’s long-standing needs. He mentioned the absence of cold storage and research facilities for egg preservation and disease testing and alleged that the DMK’s inaction left poor powerloom workers vulnerable to kidney trafficking networks. Emphasizing TVK’s political independence, he asserted, “We will never form an alliance with the BJP, directly or indirectly. We will not betray Tamil Nadu through opportunistic deals.” He warned voters that a vote for the DMK would indirectly benefit the BJP, alleging a secret understanding between the state and central governments.

Looking ahead, Vijay promised that a TVK government would focus on basic public services such as good roads, clean drinking water, reliable healthcare, and women’s safety, and introduce only practical, feasible schemes. “We will not build castles in the sky or promise to build roads like America,” he said, drawing laughter and applause.

Concluding his address, Vijay urged Namakkal voters to trust him to establish a government centered on the people’s welfare, protecting workers and building essential infrastructure without ostentation. His campaign continues to emphasize a pragmatic approach, combining local pride, social justice, and practical governance as TVK gears up for the 2026 elections.