Published Mar 04, 2026 | 1:43 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 04, 2026 | 1:43 PM
TVK chief Vijay. (X/TVKHQITWingOffl)
Synopsis: Addressing party functionaries in Tanjavur — the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu — Vijay offered a slew of promises to farmers, and expressed his wish to be reborn in a farming family. He sought to project the TVK as the party representing the South Indian state, and said the upcoming election would be a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has gone all out to woo farmers ahead of the Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a party functionaries’ meeting and election campaign event in Thanjavur on Wednesday, 4 March, TVK president Vijay unveiled a slew of promises to farmers. The promises included loan waivers and state support for higher education, if his party comes to power.
Promises to address the shortage of fertilisers, Vijay said his government would completely waive the loans farmers owning less than five acres had availed from cooperative societies.
For farmers with more than five acres, 50 percent of their loans would be waived, the actor-turned-politician said in Tanjavur, known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.
He also promised free higher education, including engineering and medical courses, to the children of farmers who do not hold at least two acres.
In an oblique reference to the Centre’s controversial but repealed farm laws, Vijay said TVK would oppose any anti-farmer laws that the Union Government might frame.
Further, he promised that no commission would be allowed for loading or unloading farm products in procurement centres.
“Strict action will be initiated against those who take commission,” Vijay said in his first appearance after the divorce proceedings his wife Sankgeetha had initiated became public.
Coming to ration shops, he said one outlet would be established for 500 cards, and items, except rice, would be supplied in packets. He also promised to appoint weighing staff in village ration shops.
Vijay said he would wish to be born into a family of farmers if the notion of rebirth were real.
“Even though I may not know farming in detail, I clearly understand the problems faced by farmers,” he said.
Accusing the ruling DMK of misrepresenting his remarks as support for the BJP, Vijay said the upcoming polls would be a contest between Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
He said that the DMK had distorted his comments, claiming that he was speaking in favour of the BJP.
“I had asked why the election is being projected as a contest between Delhi and Tamil Nadu. The DMK is now twisting my words and claiming that I am supporting the BJP. In reality, they can no longer mislead minority communities as they once did, which is why they are misrepresenting my statements,” he said.
Without naming anyone, Vijay said people were aware of who frequently speaks against “Delhi” in Chennai, but later rushes to Delhi seeking protection when corruption raids take place.
He said the narrative that only the DMK and Chief Minister MK Stalin could protect Tamil Nadu would no longer work.
Taking a sharp swipe at the ruling party, Vijay said even children had begun to say “Om Sakthi Parasakthi, DMK is an evil force.”
Declaring his party’s political ambition, Vijay said, “Tamil Nadu is TVK, and TVK is Tamil Nadu. In the coming election, the Tamil Nadu team will defeat the Delhi team.”
The slogan was reminiscent of “India is Indira and Indira is India,” which former Congress chief DK Barooah had coined in the late 1970s.
“For others it may be an election, but for me and those who love me, it is an emotion,” he added, asking party cadres to pledge their commitment to establishing a socially just government.
Vijay accused the DMK government of supporting sand and mineral mining mafias and criticised it for failing to take effective action to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen.
“The DMK government only keeps writing letters on the fishermen’s issue, but does not take emotional and strong measures to exert pressure on the Union government. TVK will certainly do so when it comes to power,” he said.
He also alleged that both DMK and AIADMK were indirectly joining hands to oppose him out of fear.
Referring to the Nanguneri double murder, Vijay criticised the law and order situation in the state.
He further accused the DMK of failing to fulfil several electoral promises, including the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
