Chennai, March 18, 2026: Putting an end to weeks of speculation that actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam might align with the BJP in the upcoming
Assembly elections, TVK leader Adhav Arjuna has officially announced that the party will contest independently in all 234 constituencies. Addressing a public meeting in Perambur, he categorically stated that Vijay is not the kind of person to bow down to Delhi, no matter how many offers are extended to him.
TVK public meeting and announcement
A public meeting organized by the TVK was held yesterday in the Venus area of Perambur, located within the Kolathur constituency in Chennai. Several party representatives, including Adhav Arjuna, Sengottaiyan, J.C.D. Prabhakaran, V.S. Babu, and Nanjil Sampath, participated in and addressed the gathering. Adhav Arjuna, who serves as General Secretary for Election Campaign Management, made the key announcement regarding the party’s electoral strategy.
Addressing the gathering, Adhav Arjuna stated, “Election dates have been announced not only for Tamil Nadu but for five states in total. On the very day Vijay emerged after concluding his CBI inquiry, he launched his election campaign right there in Delhi. Since the Model Code of Conduct has now come into force, we are free to campaign wherever we choose. We harbour no fear whatsoever; spread whatever slander you wish about us—it does not concern us.”
Rejection of alliance offers
Arjuna revealed that the party had received multiple alliance offers but chose to remain independent. “The candidates selected by Vijay are not chosen based on financial clout. We are facing this election in strict accordance with the decisions reached during the TVK’s inaugural conference. We are contesting independently in all 234 constituencies. Many offers were extended to Vijay—including a ’50-50′ split: ‘You take 90 seats, we take 90 seats; you serve as Chief Minister for 2.5 years, and we serve as Chief Minister for 2.5 years.'”
He emphasized Vijay’s resolve, stating, “However, Vijay brushed aside these offers and has stepped forward independently for the sake of the people of Tamil Nadu. Vijay is not someone who would bow down to Delhi merely out of a desire for the Chief Minister’s post. The rumours circulating over the past month—suggesting that we are in alliance talks with the BJP—are entirely untrue. Politics is the sole reason behind the temporary suspension of the film ‘Jananayagan.’
Clarification on Rajinikanth remarks
Addressing recent controversy surrounding his remarks about actor Rajinikanth, Adhav Arjuna offered a clarification and apology. He explained the context of his earlier comments, stating, “Through vile and malicious propaganda, they succeeded in preventing Rajini from entering the political arena. That is precisely what I was referring to. The moment Rajini announced his intention to enter politics, he garnered a support base of 18 percent. The AIADMK, too, campaigned against Rajini. They employed various strategies and campaigns specifically to thwart his entry into politics. Palaniswami was among those who vehemently opposed Rajini when he was on the verge of launching his party; yet, recently, Rajini posted a statement declaring, ‘You are the leader even to our leader.’ Our leader’s stance is our stance.”
Arjuna concluded with a direct apology, stating, “Rajini is not currently active in politics; therefore, there is no necessity for us to engage in a political contest against him. If anything I said caused you hurt or distress, I offer my sincere and public apology. Our campaign efforts must not be allowed to be diverted from their true objective.”
