Actor-turned-politician Vijay on Monday stated that his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as a major political force with the backing of the people and claimed it is the only party capable
of defeating the DMK in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Rejecting projections of a triangular or multi-cornered contest, Vijay said the real electoral fight would be a direct battle between the TVK and the ruling DMK, which he predicted would end in the latter’s defeat.
“People talk about triangular or four-corner contests. One is represented by the TVK backed by the people, the second is DMK, and the third is BJP and its many allies. Only the TVK, which is a people’s force alone can defeat the DMK,” he added.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister M K Stalin, Vijay referred to an earlier remark by the DMK leader about worrying over his ministers’ statements. “Wake up Stalin and ask whom he would vote. Then, he would say ‘whistle’. Truth always comes out when you wake up someone during sleep and ask.” Vijay said, referring to the TVK’s election symbol.
Addressing party members at an event marking the TVK’s third anniversary, Vijay credited grassroots workers and public support for the party’s growth. “Today we have grown into a big party because of you and the people. You are my strength. I and our party depend on you,” he said. He added that the TVK alone has the courage to challenge the DMK, which is marking 75 years since its formation.
Vijay said he aimed to replicate the political success of former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran (MGR) and lead the TVK to power this year, describing his party as the only alternative before voters.
He also mocked the DMK and other political parties for repeating the same criticisms that were earlier levelled against MGR when he launched the AIADMK.
“When MGR won and spoke in the Assembly, he faced criticism…The same type of criticism is being said now…The criticism is what does Vijay know…does he have the experience…what can he do…he doesn’t know to speak. The same thing that MGR faced. The situation now is the same as in 1977,” he remarked.
Responding to criticism that he does not engage enough with the public or media, Vijay said voters would make their presence felt on polling day. Urging party workers to intensify their efforts, he said the TVK would emerge victorious. He also described the party as “whistle-blowers” against corruption, declaring confidently that victory was within reach.
