VIKRAVANDI: Laying out a clear political agenda and identifying his key rivals, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay declared the DMK as TVK’s political adversary and the BJP as its ideological opponent.
In a 50-minute speech at TVK’s inaugural political conference held in Vikravandi, Villupuram district on Sunday, Vijay announced his openness to forming alliances for the 2026 assembly election, stating that he would share power with allies. “Though we are confident of securing a majority on our own, we will share power with our allies,” he said.
Vijay made a grand entry on Sunday evening, earlier than scheduled, as thousands of TVK cadres and fans, who arrived in cars, vans, buses, and two-wheelers from across the state, cheered him on. He walked down a long ramp built at the center of the massive ground on V Salai, while enthusiastic fans and cadres threw party shawls at him, which he draped around his neck. The venue was dominated by large cutouts of party ideologues, including Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, K. Kamaraj, B.R. Ambedkar, Queen Velu Nachiyar, and freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal on either side of the stage.
Launching a scathing critique of the DMK, Vijay, speaking mostly extemporaneously, said, “Corrupt forces are ruling Tamil Nadu at present.” He stated that TVK’s ideological enemy is any party that promotes a divisive agenda, while its political enemy is a party that talks of a ‘Dravidian model government’ yet engages in corruption. “Divisive politics is easy to spot as it exposes itself. However, corruption hides behind ideological masks. These corrupt forces are ruling us now,” he said, accusing the DMK of misleading people by calling its regime a ‘Dravidian model government.’
Vijay also criticized the DMK’s frequent accusations of fascism against the BJP, saying, “You constantly cry fascism and spread fear among minorities. But if they’re fascist, how are you any different?”
He emphasized that no one could label TVK as a ‘B team’ of any other party, adding, “Everyone knows our stance when we declare our fundamental principle as ‘Pirapokkum ella uyirkum’ (all are equal by birth).”
Setting a clear agenda, the conference highlighted key points, stating that TVK would operate on a ‘secular social justice ideology.’ Its action plan includes women’s empowerment, state autonomy, a two-language policy, environmental conservation, and the protection of women, children, and the elderly, alongside ensuring education, health, and drinking water for all. Vijay also advocated for proportional representation in education and employment, urging for a caste census to allocate resources fairly based on population. Additionally, TVK supports abolishing the governor’s post.
He shared that TVK adopted Ambedkar, Periyar, Kamaraj, Velu Nachiyar, and Anjalai Ammal as ideological mentors, though the party would not embrace Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s atheist ideology, focusing instead on his principles of women’s empowerment and rational thinking. “We will not adopt atheism. We don’t agree with it,” he said.
Vijay explained that his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to contribute beyond acting and making money. Having taken the political plunge, he confirmed he is fully committed but intends to proceed with measured steps.
The 50-year-old actor, who founded TVK in February this year, stated that the party is not an alternative force but rather the primary force aimed at transforming Tamil Nadu. He encouraged his cadres to uphold “decency and decorum” in political discourse. “Some may say that Vijay never criticizes anyone directly. We are not here to attack or disrespect anyone. We will take a respectful approach, but it will be impactful,” he added.
At the beginning of the conference, Vijay hoisted the TVK flag on a 100-foot flagpole by pressing a button, accompanied by the party song featuring his voice.