Tamil superstar Vijay made a powerful foray into politics, addressing a vast crowd at his first rally in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district as the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Announcing his new party's vision, Vijay emphasized values of social justice, secularism, and Tamil pride. His political debut comes eight months after declaring his intention to enter politics, with his fans and followers responding enthusiastically to his message. The rally drew lakhs of supporters who braved the heat to hear the beloved actor lay out his political vision and declare his commitment to the people of Tamil Nadu.
TVK’s platform prioritizes promoting Tamil as the administrative language, women’s rights, and the preservation of Tamil Nadu’s unique cultural identity. Speaking about his inspirations, Vijay cited the principles of social reformer Periyar, architect of the Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and revolutionary Tamil women such as Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal. Vijay described Periyar as a guiding influence, explaining that the social justice leader's ideals on women’s empowerment, secularism, and equality have greatly informed TVK’s goals. Emphasizing the need to honor regional heritage, he outlined TVK’s commitment to making Tamil the primary language of administration in courts, temples, and government functions, supporting a distinct cultural identity for the state.
A significant aspect of Vijay’s speech was his strong stance on women’s rights. Recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of Tamil women leaders, he shared, “We are the first political party to proudly project women as ideological leaders." In this, he paid homage to Velu Nachiyar, a historical queen who fiercely resisted British rule, as well as Anjali Ammal, a respected social activist. Vijay highlighted these women as role models, signifying TVK's commitment to advancing women’s roles in leadership and social reform.
The rally was filled with symbolic gestures that underscored Vijay’s connection to his supporters and his regional pride. He hoisted the TVK flag as the crowd cheered, many wearing shawls in the party’s colors. Donning one himself, he said, "It's our duty to convey our ideology to the people and introduce them to our ideological leaders, those who have tirelessly worked for the people of this soil." His words were met with resounding applause, marking a strong bond between the actor and his audience.
As Vijay laid out TVK's position on several key issues, he stressed the importance of secularism and unity, describing his party's approach as one that draws from both Dravidianism and Tamil nationalism. This dual focus, he said, was essential to his political outlook, stating that “Dravidianism and Tamil nationalism are the two eyes of our soil." Rather than aligning TVK solely with one movement, he explained that he hopes to promote broader values that emphasize justice, unity, and societal progress.
The decision to leave a successful film career for politics was a personal and heartfelt one, Vijay explained, rooted in his commitment to serve the people who had supported him for decades. “What will we do making money after a point? What will I do for the people who made my life?” he asked, reflecting a sense of duty and gratitude that he now channels into his political work.
At the rally’s conclusion, Vijay received copies of the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Quran, and the Indian Constitution, symbolizing TVK’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity. In a show of TVK’s ideological foundation, the party also released its anthem, capturing the rally's vibrant atmosphere and setting an inspiring tone for the path ahead. Through his entry into politics, Vijay hopes to bridge gaps in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape by creating a more inclusive, progressive society grounded in Tamil values, social justice, and respect for all beliefs.
