TVK Chief Vijay Attacks DMK, Not A Word On BJP In Puducherry

Actor-politician and Tamil Nadu Vijayakkam (TVK) chief Vijay held his first-ever public meeting in Puducherry on Tuesday, using the platform to sharply criticise the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, even as he praised Chief Minister N. Rangasamy for what he called "impartial governance."

The event, held at the Uppalam Port Ground, attracted a crowd larger than the police-permitted limit of 5,000 people, signalling the party's growing visibility beyond Tamil Nadu.

Arriving ahead of schedule in his custom-built campaign vehicle, Vijay addressed the gathering for over 12 minutes. His opening remarks set the tone, as he thanked the Puducherry government for extending security to a rival party's event. "The Puducherry administration has acted without discrimination. My sincere thanks to the Chief Minister," Vijay said, adding that Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK could "learn from this sense of fairness."

He, however, quickly clarified that he did not expect such learning to happen anytime soon. "They will not learn now. But in 2026, the people of Tamil Nadu will ensure they do," he said, predicting a political setback for the DMK in the next Assembly election.

"Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Are One"

In his speech, Vijay repeatedly asserted cultural and emotional unity between the people of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, saying the separation existed only in the eyes of the central government. "For them, Tamil Nadu is separate and Puducherry is separate. But we are not different. We belong to each other," he said.

Drawing historical references, he pointed out that M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) formed the government in Puducherry in 1974, three years before becoming Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay also highlighted the long-pending statehood demand, reminding the crowd that the Puducherry Assembly had passed 16 resolutions over the years seeking full statehood. "Yet the Centre has done nothing. No minister has portfolio responsibilities for more than 200 days," he said. He criticised the lack of IT investments, inadequate tourism infrastructure, and poor development in regions such as Karaikal.

What has generated discussion in political circles is what Vijay chose not to say. He avoided criticising the NR Congress or Chief Minister Rangasamy, a stark contrast to his scathing remarks against the DMK and the BJP-led Union government. Notably, he did not mention the BJP even once, though his comments on central inaction were unmistakably pointed.

Vijay accused both the Centre and the DMK of neglecting Puducherry's needs from funding shortages to the absence of ration shops and unemployment opportunities. "The people of Puducherry should not trust the DMK. They will only deceive you," he said, urging voters to "stay vigilant."

Assuring the crowd that he would continue to support Puducherry, Vijay ended with a political message: "Do not think Vijay will speak only for Tamil Nadu. Puducherry is my duty too." He hinted at a larger political ambition for TVK, declaring that his party flag "will fly in Puducherry during the Assembly elections."

The Puducherry meeting comes 72 days after the Karur stampede which killed 41 people. With his rhetoric striking both regional and national political tones, the meeting is being seen as the launchpad for TVK's expansion beyond Tamil Nadu.