Vijay said that TVK was emerging as the primary political force in Tamil Nadu, set to create history in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, similar to the elections of 1967 and 1977.
Published Feb 26, 2025 | 1:18 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 26, 2025 | 1:35 PM
TVK leaders, including Vijay and Aadhav Arjuna, with Prashant Kishore during the party's anniversary event.
Synopsis: Actor-turned-politician Vijay held a conference while celebrating the first anniversary of his political outfit TVK. Poll strategist Prashant Kishor attended the event. Vijay said TVK was set to create history in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Kishor said he would help the TVK in achieving its goal.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of actor-turned-politician Vijay on Wednesday, 26 February, held a conference in Chennai celebrating its first anniversary.
It was attended by TVK leaders, including General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, and poll strategist Prashant Kishor.
A signature board opposing the three-language policy and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, titled “Get Out,” was displayed at TVK’s conference. TVK leader Vijay and Bussy Anand signed it, but election strategist Kishor refused to do so.
Vijay said that TVK was emerging as the primary political force in Tamil Nadu, set to create history in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, similar to the elections of 1967 and 1977.
In 1967, the DMK came to power for the first time and uprooted the years-long rule of Congress in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, in 1977, the AIADMK came to power defeating the DMK which was ruling the state for two consecutive terms.
“Without compromising our party’s ideology at any cost, we are committed to bringing change and shaping the future of Tamil Nadu politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chennai Press Club condemned the attack on the press by bouncers deployed by the TVK at the event.
Vijay said that the parties that oppose him accused TVK of being filled only with young people.
“What’s wrong with that? It was because of the youth that (CN) Annadurai was able to form a government in 1967, and MGR (MG Ramachandran) in 1977,” he said.
“They say that all our party workers come from ordinary families. But why shouldn’t they? Shouldn’t people from ordinary backgrounds enter politics? Our party exists for the common people; it is not a party for landlords. Naturally, our leaders come from humble backgrounds.”
“Once upon a time, only landlords held positions of power. But today, things have changed — those in power have now become landlords themselves. Our mission is to remove these landlords from politics. Soon, we will be organising a booth committee conference. That day, it will become clear that Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam is no less than any major political party,” he said.
“Now, they (Union government) are introducing something called the ‘three language policy’. If a state does not implement it, will it refuse to provide education funds? They are behaving like LKG and UKG children, fighting over petty issues. The Union government has a duty to allocate funds, and the state has the right to demand them. But instead, both sides are engaging in a scripted drama, taking turns blaming each other, manipulating social media with hashtags, and deceiving the people,” he added.
“We respect all languages—there is no debate about that. On an individual level, anyone can study any language in any school. But if the Union government acts against the principles of federalism and undermines state autonomy by imposing authority, if it threatens linguistic rights and educational rights, we will not remain silent,” Vijay said.
Speaking at the event, Arjuna claimed that Vijay has internalised Dr BR Ambedkar’s ideology and that TVK is the only political force that truly embraced Periyarism and Ambedkarism.
“When I spoke the truth about the monarchy prevailing in Tamil Nadu, I faced numerous challenges. It was during that time that I received a call from our leader, urging me to embark on my political journey with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. For over 70 years in Indian politics, no one had given Dr BR Ambedkar the platform he deserved. However, when I engaged in a conversation with leader Vijay, it became evident how deeply he had internalised Ambedkar’s ideology,” Arjuna said.
“Many claim to uphold Periyar’s principles, yet engage in caste-based politics and institutionalise corruption. Their hypocrisy is evident. In contrast, Tamilaga Vettri Kalagam is emerging as the only political force that truly embraces both Periyarism and Ambedkarism, evolving as a transformative movement. The dreams of Periyar and Anna remain unfulfilled to this day.”
“Instead, those in power for decades have indulged in corruption, expanding their businesses in the film industry while deceiving the people. The only viable alternative to this political decay is Tamilaga Vetri Kalagam, led by Vijay,” he added.
Arjuna alleged that the ruling DMK’s policy failures were fuelling Tamil Nadu’s debt.
“When AIADMK left power, the state’s debt stood at ₹5 lakh crore, but under the DMK regime, it has now surged to ₹9 lakh crore. In just the past four years, DMK has borrowed ₹4 lakh crore,” he said.
“As long as MGR was alive, DMK could never come to power. The people will surely welcome a leader who prioritizes their economic well-being and livelihoods. That leader is none other than Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s leader, Vijay,” Arjuna said.
“You call our leader an actor, yet now it is you who are putting on an act. You are even copying his dressing style. What does this show? Even the chief minister himself seems to be a fan of our leader. The ruling party is so obsessed with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam that they are scheming ways to suppress us even in their sleep,” he added.
He also dismissed rumours about differences between him and the party’s other General Secretary Anand.
“Stop wasting time spreading lies. We are clear in our goal—our only aim is to bring our leader to power,” he said.
He also questioned what was wrong in joining hands with Prashant Kishor and added that more leaders would be joining the party soon.
Kishor claimed that people were sceptical and anxious to find out why he was in Tamil Nadu adding that he wanted to make a change in the state by collaborating with TVK.
“I am not here to strategise for TVK. You don’t need my help. Vijay is not just a leader; he is a new hope for Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has had enough in the last 35 years and needs change and new hope. That is why I am here,” Kishor said.
“When I spoke with Vijay, I realised I shared similar ideas and values with him. Dignity, equality, and opportunity for all this is his vision. That is why I am here to support him.”
“For many years, I have studied Tamil Nadu. And I can promise you something. Next year, when TVK wins, many of you will become policymakers, leaders, and rulers. Then I will return here and give my thank-you speech in Tamil. I will thank the people of Tamil Nadu in Tamil. I believe that the Tamil Nadu model of development should be free from corruption, communalism, and dynasty politics,” he said.
“Tamil Nadu should eliminate these three, and then, it will serve as a model of good governance for other states. Tamil Nadu has achieved significant development indicators, but political corruption here is among the worst in the country. TVK will put an end to this.”
“We cannot achieve viksit Bharat (Developed India) if 20 percent of Indians live in fear just because of their religion. Today, Dhoni is more popular in Tamil Nadu than me. If I help TVK win next year, I will be more popular than Dhoni. I am here to help you win. If you want to win, you must adopt the 3Cs: Courage, Compassion, and Commitment,” he added.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
