Actor-Turned-Politician Vijay Calls for Discipline and Unity Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections

Actor-turned-politician Vijay told party workers that he "won't surrender under pressure" and "won't bow down", hours after fresh challenges hit both Vijay and the upcoming film Jana Nayagan. Vijay linked the pressure to politics in Tamil Nadu, urging supporters to stay firm as elections approach.

At a strategy meeting in Mamallapuram, around 3,000 office-bearers from state and district units of Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), gathered to plan the coming Tamil Nadu election. The 51-year-old star described the stakes as high and urged disciplined, organised work at every level.

Vijay TVK Tamil Nadu election message and 'democratic war’

Speaking about TVK’s likely debut in the Tamil Nadu election, Vijay told cadres, "It is not just an election, but a democratic war. You are my commandos who will fight this war." Vijay asked workers to treat the poll like a long campaign instead of a single event.

Vijay criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and main opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), saying "Those in politics have forgotten Anna, including those whose party's name has Anna." By invoking CN Annadurai, Vijay accused both Dravidian giants of straying from their founder’s ideas.

Vijay TVK Tamil Nadu election strategy, voting and rivals

Vijay alleged that polling booths had become tools for those in power, calling them bogus vote centres when misused. He instructed TVK workers, "Protect each vote, meet everyone." Vijay added that only TVK dared to confront the 'evil force' (DMK) and the 'corrupt force' (AIADMK), projecting the party as a clean alternative.

TVK leaders said a statewide campaign tour would start the next day, with plans to cover all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. The goal is to build support in every seat before the state polls. Party leaders also said there is no alliance decision yet and Vijay alone will decide on any tie-ups.

Vijay’s political entry has drawn intense attention for months. In September last year, 41 people died in a stampede at a rally Vijay addressed in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing the deaths, and Vijay has already faced questioning twice by CBI officers in Delhi.

His film career has also run into trouble. Vijay’s movie Jana Nayagan has been blocked by the Censor Board, preventing its release. Vijay has moved court seeking clearance so the film can reach theatres, even as TVK builds its campaign and Vijay sharpens attacks on DMK and AIADMK.