Drawing parallels with MG Ramachandran and NT Rama Rao, delivering power-packed lines with pauses for effect and laying out his party’s commitment to women empowerment and social justice, actor Vijay turned into a politician on Sunday at TVK’s debut conference.
Published Oct 27, 2024 | 8:17 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 27, 2024 | 8:17 PM
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An electrifying speech aimed at stirring admiration across Tamil Nadu definitely turned actor Vijay into politician Vijay on Sunday.
At the debut rally of his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay officially announced the ideology and detailed action plan of his political movement. With punchy lines, peppered with pregnant pauses to elicit reaction, the Tamil superstar named none but spared none in his volley of attacks on the current political system.
His powerful and direct critique of established political practices, including the DMK’s governance, was deliberate and defining. Vijay came to TVK’s conference with a plan and executed it to perfection – like delivering a 10-page dialogue that brings the much-awaited twist in a mass entertainer movie.
The actor insisted his party is committed to an inclusive Tamil Nadu founded on equality, regional autonomy, and cultural preservation.
Political analysts, activists have hailed his address as a significant entry into the political scene. Several have praised the ideological clarity, engaging rhetoric, and unwavering focus on social justice, at least in his speech.
Vijay claimed his vision for social justice is rooted in the fundamental belief that “All life is born equal” that echoes values of social justice and equality for all, regardless of religion, caste, or gender. “We are all equal from birth, and TVK stands to uphold this truth,” Vijay said. He said divisive politics has no space in Tamil Nadu, taking a dig at BJP and DMK without naming them.
“TVK pledges to fight against caste-based discrimination and hierarchy, firmly rejecting the Varnashrama system and upholding a governance model that is inclusive and caste-free,” Vijay claimed.
TVK’s second pledge is to ensure statewide equality for all Genders and abilities. Thirdly, Vijay said his party pledges to enforce strict penalties for untouchability practices.
In a direct critique, Vijay questioned the DMK’s governance, suggesting that its approach has marginalised certain sections of society and called for transparency, equality, and fair governance.
The actor deemed two issues as primary enemies of his ideology – communalism and corruption. “Those who divide people in the name of religion are our ideological enemies and those who misuse names of Tamil icons and indulge in corruption, misgovernance are our political enemies,” Vijay said, leaving his audiences with no doubts on who it was speaking about.
In a pointed dig at incumbent MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu, Vijay mocked its ‘Dravidian model of governance’ claim. Even as he named Periyar as one of TVK’s ideological guides, Vijay made it crystal clear that he did not endorse Periyar’s stance of atheism.
Careful not to be boxed into either dravidianism or nationalism, Vijay spelt TVK’s stand out. “I believe Dravida and nationalism are two eyes of this soil. Our stance is not either/or,” Vijay said, once again taking a dig at DMK. The importance of federalism was not lost on Vijay who crafted it into his speech tactfully.
TVK is pushing for Tamil as the sole language for administration, judiciary and Worship. It wants to decentralise administration by establishing a Chief Secretariat Branch in Madurai. The party is advocating for state determined education policies, including bringing Education back to the state list.
Vijay, during his speech recalled the tragic case of Anitha, an aspiring medical student who died by suicide over NEET. He likened the loss of Anitha to that of his own sister – Vidhya. Vijay didn’t spare the Governor either. TVK is pushing to abolish the role of Governor in a bid to emphasise on State’s rights to govern.
Vijay introduced a dual-language policy for TVK, emphasising both Tamil and English. He underscored the importance of Tamil as a cultural cornerstone for the state and English as a practical bridge for national and international communication. Additionally, Vijay proposed prioritising jobs for those educated in Tamil, advocating for fair employment opportunities for Tamil speakers.
In his speech, Vijay spoke about not looking back. He emphasised that he has gotten into the war field for the Tamil people. Political experts and observers praised Vijay’s speech as a groundbreaking political debut, emphasising his clarity and dedication to a socially just Tamil Nadu. His structured vision and assertive delivery showcased a significant alternative to the status quo, with many analysts noting his potential to inspire young and progressive voters eager for change.
This is a very powerful speech by @actorvijay . Honestly I never expected such a fiery speech. 👏👏👏
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) October 27, 2024
This is the first speech of Vijay that I am listening to actively and want to listen more . Needs a little more clarity on certain issues but an amazing maiden speech . Wowed !#TVK
— Shalin Maria Lawrence (@TheBluePen25) October 27, 2024
The official ideology song released by TVK on Sunday spoke about championing a vision that combines Tamil pride, state autonomy, and social equality.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: Ideology Song | தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகம்: கொள்கைப் பாடல்https://t.co/WOaifpxHSd#TVKIdeologySong #ThalaivarVijay #VettriKolgaiThiruvizha
புதியதோர் விதி ஒன்றை
புதுமையாய் நாம் செய்வோம்!வெற்றி நிச்சயம். pic.twitter.com/tpdogTIRoV
— TVK Vijay (@tvkvijayhq) October 27, 2024
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
