Published Feb 23, 2026 | 6:24 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 23, 2026 | 6:24 PM
Invoking past leaders, Vijay said Tamil Nadu was a superstar state, but lost that stature under the current dispensation. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Vijay made a few promises at the Vellore meeting, which included meeting the people in person, ensuring women’s safety, making the state drug-free, and improving rural transportation.
Assuming the role of a political Thalapathy (commander) in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay said the upcoming Assembly elections in the state will be a direct battle between the people and what he described as corruption and misgovernance.
Addressing TVK’s district functionaries and an election campaign meeting at Agaramcheri in the Vellore district, the actor-turned-politician on Monday, 23 February, said his party has emerged as a “mass movement” because there was no other leadership that genuinely loved and cared for the people.
“People were deceived by the false promises made by MK Stalin. Since there was no good leadership that truly cared for the people, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam was born,” he said.
Vijay drew a parallel to Jallikattu to counter the allegation that TVK was inexperienced. He narrated a story of a boy who pacified the raging Jallikattu bull, even as others looked on with fear.
“We live in every household — as life and as emotion. I wish to come personally to wherever you are and meet you directly. You all know the kind of conspiracies being carried out against us,” he told party workers.
He asserted that if TVK formed the government, he would personally visit every village and meet people face-to-face.
Taking a dig at Stalin’s recent remark that the election would be a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi, Vijay questioned the logic behind the statement.
“I do not understand that logic. The people of Tamil Nadu are well-versed in facing any election. They are super clear and super smart,” he said.
In a broadside against the DMK, Vijay described the election as “a battle between the people of Tamil Nadu and corruption, bribery, and the misgovernance of the DMK government.”
“This election is a battle between the people of Tamil Nadu and the DMK. It is a battle between the people of Tamil Nadu and Stalin,” he said, adding, “This election is a battle between Vijay and Stalin.”
Invoking past leaders, he said Tamil Nadu had been a “superstar state” during the rule of K Kamaraj, CN Annadurai, and MG Ramachandran, but the state lost that stature under the current dispensation.
Criticising what he termed “ultra model” governance, Vijay alleged that the current government had reduced governance to “stand-up comedy.”
Speaking on women’s safety, Vijay asserted that it would be the priority of the TVK government.
As part of basic infrastructure improvements, he announced that safe and secure toilet facilities with proper doors would be established in all public places to protect the dignity of women and children.
He also pledged to create a “drug-free society” by eradicating narcotic substances that he said were destroying the youth.
Speaking of issues facing the students, Vijay assured that government schools and colleges would be upgraded in quality and would rank number one, surpassing private institutions.
Indirectly criticising entrance examinations, including NEET, he questioned the need for a “coaching centre culture,” stating that if quality education has been ensured for all, separate coaching centres would become unnecessary.
He further announced that basic political education would be made compulsory for higher secondary school students to create an aware and responsible generation of citizens.
Highlighting rural issues, Vijay said bus stations and stops would be established even in remote villages. “Transport facilities are not a luxury but a right of the people,” he said.
He also promised the formation of a separate welfare board for auto, taxi, and lorry drivers to safeguard their livelihoods.
He assured that all long-pending and reasonable demands of farmers and fishermen would be fulfilled.
“Law and order can function properly only if the legal system is transparent,” Vijay said, adding that an honest and uncompromising legal framework would be implemented under a TVK government.
Questioning the government over its promise of introducing monthly electricity billing, Vijay asked whether it had been implemented.
“Most households consume only 100 units of electricity. But because billing is done once every two months, they are forced to pay electricity charges. Can this be considered modern corruption?” he asked.
He alleged that many villages were without proper transport facilities or hospital infrastructure, and that some women were still forced to give birth at home. He further claimed that women themselves have said that they did not feel safe, and that law and order had collapsed.
“We are asking questions. But it does not appear as though any answers are coming. Answers will come only if he has them. But from now on, answers must be given,” he said.
Following the meeting, Vijay administered an oath to TVK functionaries.
“No one can buy us. We will not be deceived by trusting anyone. We will not go back on our word,” he declared.
In a pointed remark directed at Chief Minister Stalin, Vijay said, “I have found a new friend. Do you know who it is? It is the Chief Minister himself. He said, ‘I have no enemies; everyone is my friend.’”
“If that is the case, why was I blamed in the Karur issue? If you had a conscience, would you have spoken like that? If we are all your friends, why do you refuse permission or space for us to conduct an event? After doing everything yourself, do you casually say something and walk away?
“Your real friends are bribery, corruption, and political gain. Those are your friends. Your rule is wrong — a government is not needed for Tamil Nadu.”
He further said that if certain political parties and leaders simply remained silent at times, no issues would arise.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
