Vijay criticized DMK’s unfulfilled promises and poor governance causing neglect of Namakkal’s demands and worker struggles
Chennai
Actor-turned-politician Vijay on Saturday declared that the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be a straight contest between his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He made the remarks while campaigning in Namakkal during his weekend district tour.
Vijay accused the DMK government of betraying voters with unfulfilled promises. He said TVK would offer a “people-first alternative” focused on real solutions rather than empty pledges. Thousands of TVK volunteers welcomed him along the way, delaying his campaign event by nearly six hours.
In his 15-minute speech, Vijay mixed sharp criticism of the government with emotional appeals about Tamil identity and pride. He called Namakkal “a land of Tamil spirit” and recalled poet V. Ramalingam Pillai’s call for Tamils to stand tall. He also reminded people of Namakkal leader P. Subbarayan’s role in securing reservation rights.
Reading out DMK’s past promises, like grain godowns, copra oil production, ration shop sweeteners, and restoration of the old pension scheme, Vijay asked, “They said it. Did they do it?” He also criticised the neglect of Namakkal’s demands, such as cold storage for eggs and research facilities, blaming poor governance for struggles like kidney trafficking among desperate workers.
He firmly ruled out alliances with the BJP, accusing DMK of a “secret understanding” with the Centre. “A vote for DMK is indirectly a vote for BJP,” he warned.
Promising practical governance, Vijay said TVK would focus on essentials like roads, clean water, healthcare, and women’s safety. He ended by urging voters to trust TVK for a people-centric, honest government.