Published Mar 07, 2026 | 8:13 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 07, 2026 | 10:05 PM
Actor Vijay
Synopsis: TVK president Vijay made several promises focusing on women’s welfare, but sought to downplay recent controversies surrounding him, saying he would take care of them. Vijay’s wife has filed for divorce, citing his alleged extramarital affair with a female actor, and also sought a directive from the court to allow her to live in her matrimonial home.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Saturday, 7 March, announced a series of welfare schemes focusing on women, education and social security, outlining what he described as a “sample roadmap” of programmes his party would implement if it comes to power in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a Women’s Day 2026 event at Mamallapuram, Vijay said the schemes were a “preview of what is to come,” adding that more policy announcements would follow in the coming months as the party prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Among the key announcements was a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for women up to the age of 60, excluding government employees. The proposed scheme, titled “Maanbumigu Magalir Thittam,” aims to provide direct financial support to women.
Vijay also introduced the “Annapoorani Super Six Scheme,” under which every family would receive six LPG cylinders free of cost annually. He said the measure was intended to ease the financial burden caused by rising cooking gas prices.
To improve women’s mobility, Vijay proposed the “Vetri Payanam Scheme,” which would allow women to travel free of cost on all government buses across Tamil Nadu, rather than restricting the benefit to selected services.
In the education sector, he announced the “Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam,” named after former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.
Under this scheme, mothers or guardians of students studying from Classes 1 to 12 would receive ₹15,000 annually. This is to prevent students from dropping out of school due to financial constraints.
The party also outlined a set of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s safety.
These include the formation of a 500-member women’s safety squad equipped with body cameras, named after Rani Velu Nachiyar, as well as the establishment of fast-track courts to deal with crimes against women.
In addition, panic buttons would be installed in all public transport vehicles, including shared autos, to enable quicker emergency response.
Vijay also promised measures such as improved street lighting and surveillance to eliminate dark spots in public areas.
Vijay also proposed the “Thai Maman Thittam,” under which newborn babies would receive a gold ring along with a welcome kit containing essential items such as clothes, nutrition products and hygiene supplies.
For marriages, the “Annan Seer Scheme” would provide 8 grams (one sovereign) of gold and a silk saree for women.
He further announced the “Singapenn Development Scheme,” which would offer women-led self-help groups interest-free financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh to support entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
During his address, Vijay also criticised the government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, alleging corruption in the utilisation of public funds.
Referring to the state budget of around ₹4.39 lakh crore, he said that if funds allocated for welfare schemes were used properly without diversion, the government would be able to implement several people-centric programmes.
For the first time, Vijay has publicly opened up about his divorce case.
He briefly referred to the recent controversy surrounding the divorce petition filed by his wife, Sangkeetha Vijay, though he did not mention it explicitly.
“Recently, you have been facing certain issues and controversies. I was hurt because you are hurting from it. That issue is not worth it. I am aware of them, and I will take care of everything,” he said.
However, many criticised Vijay, accusing him of belittling another woman’s personal issue while speaking from the stage of a Women’s Day event.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
