Actor-turned-politician Vijay has made a bold declaration regarding the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, stating that the contest will be a direct battle between his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Speaking at the TVK’s first general council meeting in Chennai on March 28, 2025, Vijay confidently asserted, "In 2026, the fight is between only two: TVK and DMK. Tamil Nadu will witness an election unlike any seen before." This statement sets the stage for what promises to be a highly charged political showdown.
Vijay took the opportunity to directly criticize Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing the DMK government of failing to maintain law and order and protect women in the state. He stated, "If you had governed properly, women’s safety and law and order would have been in place. I can’t even speak about the atrocities being committed against women." His remarks highlight the growing concerns about safety and governance under the current administration.
In addition to his criticisms of the DMK, Vijay voiced strong opposition to the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, which he claims aims to reduce Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament. "In the name of delimitation, you are trying to reduce Tamil Nadu’s Parliament seats," he warned, echoing sentiments shared by many southern states regarding the potential inequalities that could arise from such a move.
Vijay also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, emphasizing that Tamil Nadu is a politically conscious state that should not be underestimated. "PM sir, we understand your plans when you spoke about one nation, one election. Handle Tamil Nadu carefully. This is a state that has shown its power many times. Be careful, sir," he asserted, signaling a clear message to the central government.
During the general council meeting, TVK passed 17 significant resolutions addressing various issues, including strong objections to the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, which Vijay condemned as an attack on federalism. The party reiterated its commitment to Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, rejecting any imposition of a third language for political reasons. "We condemn the union government which is adamant on imposing three-language policy and that the state will forever stick only to its two-language policy," the resolution stated.
On the topic of delimitation, the party criticized the proposal as unnecessary and warned that it would unfairly reduce the number of seats allocated to southern states, including Tamil Nadu. "The information about the increase in number of seats for northern states and a proportional loss for southern states including Tamil Nadu would not be good," the resolution read. Vijay remarked that the people of Tamil Nadu view this as a punishment for adhering to the family planning scheme promoted by the Union government.
Furthermore, the TVK expressed concerns about the ongoing attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy, highlighting that over 800 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been killed over the past 40 years. The party urged the Prime Minister to implement a permanent solution to protect Tamil fishermen and treat them on par with those from other states.
Vijay's speech also touched on the controversial Parandur airport project, questioning why a government that claims to be farmer-friendly would expedite such a project. He asserted that this decision is anti-people and anti-farmers, indicating a disconnect between the government’s claims and its actions.
In a significant moment, Vijay directly addressed both Chief Minister Stalin and Prime Minister Modi, questioning their governance and intentions. "Modi ji, why are you allergic to Tamil Nadu? You collect GST from us, yet you won’t provide adequate funds for our education and welfare programs," he stated, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of Tamil Nadu in national policies.
Vijay's declarations come amidst a backdrop of increasing political tension in Tamil Nadu, where he is positioning the TVK as a serious alternative to the ruling DMK. By framing the upcoming elections as a bipolar contest, he aims to galvanize support among voters disillusioned with the current administration.
His remarks also reflect a broader strategy to connect with the electorate by emphasizing the party's commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusivity. "The fundamental strength of politics is uncompromising principles and ideologies. Periyar’s social justice, Kamarajar’s honest administration, Ambedkar’s equal justice and equal opportunity, Velu Nachiyar’s social inclusivity and communal harmony, and Anjalai Ammal’s fight for water resources were the reasons for choosing them as our party’s ideologues," Vijay explained.
As the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, the political landscape is poised for significant changes. With Vijay's TVK emerging as a formidable challenger, the stakes are high for both the DMK and the BJP. The upcoming election is not just about power; it is about the future direction of Tamil Nadu and the voices of its people.
Vijay concluded his speech with a rallying cry, urging party workers to reach out to every household in Tamil Nadu. "Go to every street, every house and listen to their woes. Do not stop until it is done. If you do it, I can confidently say every house in the state will fly our twin-elephant, ‘vagai’ flower flag," he declared, rallying his supporters for the challenges ahead. The 2026 elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu's political history, with Vijay at the helm of a movement that seeks to redefine the state's governance and representation.
