Vijay, Chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the ruling DMK, with a strong focus on the safety and welfare of the state’s fishermen.
Addressing a public rally in Thanjavur, Vijay asserted that while the Chief Minister might attempt to silence him, he could not silence “a Vijay in every household.” He declared that the next government in the state would be led by TVK and assured coastal communities that their protection would be fully ensured under his leadership.
Taking aim at the DMK government’s handling of fishermen’s issues, Vijay accused the Chief Minister of limiting action to writing letters to the Union Government without applying meaningful pressure. He said what was required was “genuine and emotional pressure” on the Centre to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s fishermen from alleged harassment and arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
“The Sri Lankan Navy should not even lay a hand on our fishermen. We must not allow them to touch our fishermen. Their safety must be guaranteed—that is our only agenda,” Vijay said, adding that fishermen should remain hopeful about a change in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Vijay also referred to the controversy surrounding the release of his film ‘Jananayagan’, thanking Stalin for voicing support for the film at the time and acknowledging the public backing it received. However, he reiterated that political differences remained sharp and that the upcoming election would mark a direct contest between TVK and DMK.
Drawing a parallel with cricket, Vijay criticised the ruling party for portraying the electoral battle as “Team Delhi versus Team Tamil Nadu,” asserting that such divisions would be set aside and that TVK would emerge victorious. He emphasised that his party would not merely announce welfare schemes but would ensure their completion within five years.
In addition to fishermen’s concerns, Vijay accused the state government of misleading the public on issues such as basic amenities, alleging that financial constraints were often cited as excuses for inaction. He questioned whether voters would place their trust in him or in Stalin.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls in the first half of 2026. The DMK-led alliance, which secured 159 seats in the 2021 elections, will seek re-election under its “Dravidian Model” plank, while TVK’s entry is expected to intensify the contest and potentially turn it into a three-cornered fight.