Actor-turned-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), launched one of his strongest attacks yet on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at a campaign meeting held in Erode on Thursday, branding the party an “evil force” while projecting TVK as a “pure force” committed to public welfare.
Addressing a packed rally near Vijayamangalam, Vijay set an aggressive tone ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, positioning the political contest as a direct battle between two opposing forces. He told supporters that the future of Tamil Nadu rests on a clear choice between what he described as the DMK’s entrenched and harmful politics and TVK’s promise of honest, people-centric governance.
Launching sharp criticism of the DMK government, Vijay accused it of failing the people of Tamil Nadu and betraying public trust. He alleged that the ruling party had looted public money and reduced welfare measures to mere “freebies,” while simultaneously insulting the very people such schemes are meant to serve. Drawing a contrast, Vijay said his political strength comes from the affection and trust of the masses, not from money or power.
Clarifying his position on welfare policies, the TVK chief said he was not opposed to welfare schemes or financial assistance. However, he stressed that governments must move beyond handouts and focus on creating employment opportunities and stable sources of income, enabling people to live with dignity and self-reliance.
Vijay further accused the DMK and other political rivals of being more focused on targeting him and his party than on addressing people’s issues. He urged voters to distinguish between genuine leadership and political theatrics, asserting that TVK stands for development, accountability, and meaningful change rather than obstructionist politics.
Touching upon local issues in the Erode region, Vijay said persistent governance failures had left several problems unresolved. He argued that only renewed political will and sincere administrative focus could address the challenges faced by the region and the state at large.
In a significant portion of his speech, Vijay referred to the legacy of social reformer Periyar, urging people to respect his ideals rather than misuse his name for political gain. He said Periyar’s principles should serve as a guide for social progress and rational thought, not as tools for partisan advantage.
Reiterating his criticism of the DMK’s governance record, Vijay said the government had failed to deliver on its promises and had mismanaged key areas of public concern. He called on people to question the credibility of existing political leadership and to rally behind TVK as a credible alternative capable of ushering in meaningful transformation.
Concluding his address, Vijay said his entry into politics was driven by deep trust in the people of Tamil Nadu. He appealed to voters to uphold historical values while demanding practical and forward-looking solutions to contemporary problems, asserting that TVK represents a new political path rooted in integrity, service, and public accountability.