Addressing a massive crowd in Madurai at his party TVK’s second state-level conference, actor-politician Vijay declared that his party would not ally with either the BJP or the DMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, branding the BJP an “ideological enemy” and the DMK the “political enemy.”
Vijay said TVK would chart an independent course, rejecting what he called “slave alliances.” “Our alliance won’t be for convenience it will be rooted in self-respect,” he told supporters, asserting that “all of Tamil Nadu’s strength is with us” as he urged them to “take on the fascist BJP and the poison DMK.”
Taking direct aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay accused the BJP of ignoring Tamil Nadu’s concerns. He cited issues including the arrest of Tamil fishermen and demanded the return of Katchatheevu. He reiterated opposition to NEET and accused the Centre of “appeasement” through ties with the RSS, adding, “Water droplets don’t stick on lotus petals Tamilians won’t stick to the BJP.” He also alleged that findings related to Keezhadi were being concealed.
For the first time, Vijay also criticized the AIADMK’s trajectory after M.G. Ramachandran’s (MGR) era, questioning its leadership and alleging that leaders seek relief in Delhi after raids, hinting at proximity to the BJP. Turning to the ruling DMK, he targeted Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, questioning the government’s welfare delivery. “Stalin uncle, is it enough to give Rs 1,000 to women? Can you hear their cries? You’re cheating women, Parandhur airport farmers, and fishermen,” he said.
Leaning into powerful symbolism, Vijay framed his political entry with a recurring metaphor: “A lion is always peculiar. If it roars once, the sound carries for eight kilometres. There may be many jackals, but there’s only one lion the king of the jungle. A lion is always a lion. This is a clear declaration.”
Hinting that TVK will field candidates across Tamil Nadu, Vijay said, “Let me announce the candidate list for the 2026 elections… I will stand in all 234 seats,” naming multiple constituencies in Madurai as he rallied the crowd. He invoked Madurai’s cultural identity from Alanganallur Jallikattu to Meenakshi Amman and the Vaigai river and recalled his bond with late leader Vijayakanth, suggesting that electoral history from 1967 and 1977 could “repeat” in 2026.
Vijay also addressed criticism of his political foray, saying he listens only to the people of Tamil Nadu. “I didn’t come to politics after losing my market. I enjoy people, respect people, worship people. This is my profession now,” he said, adding, “What matters is whether a leader is honest not whether he was an actor. Not all politicians are smart, not all cinema actors are dumb.”
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