Vijay’s Powerful Political Debut: Actor Turned Leader Rallies for Change at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s First State Conference

At a massive gathering for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party’s inaugural state conference, actor and newly-minted politician Vijay captivated the crowd by comparing his bold political entry to “a child playing confidently with the snake of politics.” Vijay acknowledged that he and his supporters may be considered novices in the political realm but asserted they are tackling it with courage and optimism.

Vijay emphasized a need for change in political discourse, arguing, “If everything else evolves, why not politics? We should be concise, addressing the issues and solutions directly. There’s no need for prolonged speeches, statistics, or history lessons.” He clarified his mission simply: “Our goal is straightforward — a home, food, and income for everyone.”

The TVK party’s guiding principles, Vijay shared, draw from historical figures like Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, K. Kamaraj, and B.R. Ambedkar, focusing on equality, women’s education, and social justice. “Periyar is our ideological leader, though we won’t adopt his atheism entirely. We believe, as C.N. Annadurai said, ‘Ondre kulam, oruvane thevan’ — we are all one.”

Recognizing iconic women such as Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal, he noted that TVK will be a progressive party embracing women leaders. He also openly challenged existing political powers, critiquing divisive politics and veiled corruption: “It’s easy to see divisive forces, but corrupt forces hide behind ideologies and principles. The rulers here are those corrupt forces,” he said, taking a clear swipe at the DMK.

Vijay further countered the DMK’s criticism of the BJP, questioning their “Dravidian model” and the label of fascism directed at the BJP, subtly implying hypocrisy.

With a message of personal sacrifice and commitment, Vijay concluded, “I’ve set aside my career at its peak, entering politics with faith in you.” Confident in TVK’s potential, he expressed optimism that the people would rally to make the party victorious.