Tiruchy, April 2 (IANS) Actor-turned-politician Vijay intensified his campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Thursday, declaring the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as his “only opponent” and urging voters to rally behind what he described as a “whistle revolution.”
Addressing party workers and the public in Tiruchy after filing his nomination from the Tiruchy East constituency, the founder-president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) positioned the upcoming election as a direct contest between his party and the DMK.
He dismissed other political formations as irrelevant to the main battle, while also asserting that both the DMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were “no different,” cautioning voters against placing their trust in either.
Earlier in the day, Vijay paid homage to former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran at his memorial in Tiruchy. In a notable moment during the public meeting, he also performed his campaign track ‘Ungal Vijay’ for the first time, drawing enthusiastic response from supporters.
In a sharply worded speech, Vijay criticised the DMK government, calling it ineffective and accusing it of failing to address the everyday struggles of people.
He questioned how long citizens would continue to endure rising prices and economic hardship, and appealed for a mandate to bring change.
Framing the election as a generational turning point, Vijay made an emotional appeal to voters, describing himself as “your brother and your son” seeking a single opportunity to serve.
He said he had given up a comfortable life to enter public service and pledged not to betray the people's trust.
Outlining key promises, Vijay said a TVK government would prioritise essential sectors such as education, drinking water, roads, and public transport.
He announced welfare measures under an “Annapoorani Super 6” scheme, including free gas cylinders for women, monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for elderly women aged 60 and above, marriage support with gold and silk sarees, and free bus travel for women across the state.
He also promised to rebuild toilets in government schools to ensure student safety and criticised the government over the limited recruitment of assistant professors despite larger commitments.
Vijay alleged that attempts were being made to politically isolate him through “false alliances,” but maintained that the real contest remained between the DMK and TVK.
He urged voters, including those living outside Tiruchy, to return home and vote on April 23, calling for full family participation.
Concluding his address, Vijay reiterated that the 2026 Assembly election would mark a decisive “whistle revolution,” urging people to vote for TVK’s whistle symbol to shape a better future for Tamil Nadu.
--IANS
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