Tamil Nadu election will be a democratic battle, says TVK chief Vijay
TVK chief Vijay described the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a democratic battle and said only his party could challenge the ruling and opposition forces. Addressing cadres, he pledged clean politics and urged vigilance to protect every vote
Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu): TVK chief Vijay on Sunday characterised the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a high-stakes “democratic battle” rather than a mere electoral contest, asserting his party’s unique position to challenge established political powers.
“What is going to happen now is not just an election; it is a democratic battle. You are the commanders who are going to lead this democratic battle,” Vijay told a gathering of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) cadres here.
The actor-turned-politician declared that only TVK has the guts and attitude to take on the “evil force” that is ruling right now and the “corrupt force” that had previously governed the State, an obvious reference to the ruling DMK and the AIADMK respectively.
“Whether it is this evil force or that corrupt force, both should not rule Tamil Nadu. Only we have the guts and the attitude to truly and boldly oppose such parties,” Vijay said.
He also emphasised the core mission of his political entry, stating, “We are here to save the people and protect the soil from anyone who intends to cause harm.”
Claiming that support for his party transcends traditional political affiliations, and that he is viewed as a family member in homes across the State, the top star committed to a high standard of political integrity, maintaining that “we will never compromise our politics for anyone or anything”.
“I will not commit corruption like those before or those here now. I will not touch even a single paisa. Not even a drop of a corruption stain will occur,” Vijay vowed.
He also dismissed rumours of political pressure or surrendering to national parties. He alleged that previous administrations were “slaves to the BJP” and claimed the current DMK government had “surrendered indirectly” while maintaining a “facade” through attractive announcements.
But he acknowledged that cleaning the system is a process and requires a leader who does not desire personal gain.
“You might ask, is this a movie? Is this the film Mudhalvan, where the protagonist becomes Chief Minister for a day? Will he come and clean everything in one day? Practically, that is not possible. It is a process,” the actor-politician said.
The TVK leader invoked the legacy of freedom fighter Rani Velu Nachiyar and her commanders to inspire his cadres.
Labelling his party workers as “front-line warriors” and “commanders”, Vijay noted that while rivals underestimate his strength, the people have already decided to give him a clear mandate.
While claiming that for other parties, a booth is just a place to cast a vote, and sometimes to “steal” votes, he asserted that for his party, booths are “halls of democracy”.
“We must ensure democracy is not stolen there. We must protect every vote,” Vijay said, urging his party cadres to stay vigilant in the coming months.
Further, he said “the TVK army is so gutsy that it can win even if it stands alone, in the absence of a friendly force”, in an apparent reference to an alliance.
He also took an oath along with his cadres to work “truthfully, solemnly, and firmly” to reclaim Tamil Nadu in the 2026 elections.
At the meeting, he unveiled his party’s symbol, the “whistle”, and also played it, with enthusiastic party workers joining in and cheering him.
