Recalling Tiruchirappally's rich history, Vijay sought the blessing of the people as he launched his statewide weekend campaign.
Published Sep 13, 2025 | 5:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 13, 2025 | 8:07 PM
TVK chief Vijay addressing the rally at Tiruchirappally on Saturday.
Synopsis: Vijay launched a broadside against the ruling DMK, saying it had not implemented all its election promises. His speech seemed to address the youngsters and women more, as he touched upon the government’s promise to scrap NEET, waive educational loans, alleged kidney theft, women’s safety and the token implementation of free rides on state-run buses.
Actor-politician Vijay set Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s poll machinery rolling from Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, 13 September, amid multiple restrictions imposed by the police.
“Just as kings would worship the deity before setting out for war, I have come to meet the people before setting out for the 2026 elections,” he said, addressing a rally at Marakkadai.
“They say that if certain things begin from certain places, they will end well. Many turning points (in Tamil Nadu’s history) have begun here in Trichy,” Vijay said as he launched his statewide tour — the weekend campaign — that will continue till December.
The 51-year-old action hero, the latest major entrant in Tamil Nadu politics, recalled Tiruchirappally as the place where Arignar Anna (CN Annadurai) first thought of contesting elections, and where MG Ramachandran held his first state conference.
“Trichy has such a proud history. This is the land where Periyar lived, the site of Malaikottai, a place renowned for secularism and religious harmony,” Vijay said.
He went on to question whether the DMK had fulfilled the promises made in its election manifesto, and listed guarantees that he said had remained unfulfilled.
“The DMK government has not given importance to agriculture. Kidney thefts are taking place at a hospital owned by a DMK MLA. You failed to give the ₹1,000 to everyone — and then pointed that out to embarrass people. Have you fulfilled promises such as cancelling NEET and writing off students’ education loans? Have you met the demands of welfare workers and government employees? Why has the old pension scheme not been implemented?
“They announced the free-bus scheme and then humiliate people with token measures. The women’s assistance amount has not reached everyone. As for us, we will only promise what is practically feasible. We will pledge only things that can be delivered — education, healthcare, basic road infrastructure, and women’s safety. We will not compromise on those,” he declared.
Earlier, the police placed numerous restrictions before allowing permission for the rally. However, Vijay reached the venue only around 3 pm, late by four hours, after a vehicle rally.
After addressing the rally at Marakkadai, he left for Ariyalur.
