TVK Leader Vijay Begins 2026 Election Campaign in Trichy Today

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and celebrated Tamil film star Vijay is set to launch his statewide political campaign today, September 13, 2025, starting in Trichy. This marks a pivotal moment for Vijay, who transitioned from being a top actor in the Tamil film industry to a political leader with the formation of TVK. With his sights set on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Vijay aims to establish a "conscientious democracy" through his party’s grassroots efforts. His campaign tour, titled “The History of the Vaagai Suttum is Returning; I Will Not Come to Your Vijay,” begins in Trichy, a region with deep political and cultural significance, and will extend across Tamil Nadu in the coming months.

Campaign Itinerary: Trichy, Ariyalur, and Perambalur

Vijay’s campaign kicks off at 10:35 AM in Trichy’s Marakkadai Junction, a bustling area known for its commercial and political vibrancy. This event is expected to draw significant crowds, given Vijay’s massive fan base and the excitement surrounding his political debut. From Trichy, he will proceed to Ariyalur, addressing a roadside meeting near the Old Bus Stand from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Later, Vijay will head to Perambalur district, speaking at Kunnam Bus Stand around 4:00 PM and concluding the day’s events at the Radio Stadium in Perambalur between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. These locations were carefully selected to maximize outreach, connecting with urban and rural voters alike.

Trichy, often regarded as the heart of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, is a strategic starting point for Vijay’s campaign. The Cauvery delta region has historically been a stronghold for major political parties, and Vijay’s presence here signals his intent to challenge the established political order. His campaign vehicle, decked in TVK’s flag colors, departed from Panaiyur, Chennai, and received a warm welcome from volunteers in areas like Vikravandi, where supporters showered flowers and performed traditional aarti, despite instructions to avoid firecrackers.

Police Permissions and Strict Conditions

The Trichy City Police have granted conditional approval for Vijay’s campaign, imposing a set of stringent guidelines to ensure public safety and order. These conditions include a 25-minute time limit for the Marakkadai event, a ban on roadshows, and restrictions on firecrackers, music, and large processions. Only five vehicles are permitted to accompany Vijay’s campaign vehicle, and no followers on two-wheelers, four-wheelers, or foot are allowed. The police have also advised against the participation of pregnant women, women with infants, elderly individuals, those with health issues, and school students to minimize risks.

Vijay has responded to these restrictions by urging TVK volunteers to comply with “military discipline,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining order during the campaign. In a public statement, he accused the police of imposing unprecedented conditions on TVK, suggesting that these restrictions are unique in Tamil Nadu’s political history. He has called on the authorities to provide adequate security for TVK workers and the public, urging them to act impartially and prioritize safety over political considerations. Despite these challenges, Vijay remains confident that the campaign will resonate with the public and achieve its objectives.

TVK’s Guidelines for Volunteers

TVK General Secretary N. Anand has issued a comprehensive set of instructions to ensure the campaign adheres to police regulations and maintains a positive public image. Volunteers are directed not to follow Vijay’s vehicle during his arrivals or departures from public meetings to avoid traffic disruptions. Pregnant women, women with infants, elderly individuals, those with health issues, the disabled, and school students are advised to refrain from attending in person for safety reasons. The party has also banned celebratory activities such as bursting firecrackers, which could violate police conditions and contribute to noise pollution.

Additionally, volunteers are instructed to avoid parking vehicles in ways that obstruct traffic, speaking or behaving in a manner that offends others, or erecting placards, arches, or flagpoles without proper authorization. Anand has also emphasized the need to respect public and private property, advising volunteers to stay away from buildings, lampposts, trees, vehicles, statues, and barriers. These guidelines reflect TVK’s commitment to conducting a disciplined and responsible campaign that prioritizes public safety and civic responsibility.

Vijay’s Political Vision and TVK’s Strategy

Vijay’s transition from a cinematic icon to a political leader has been closely watched, given his widespread popularity and influence among Tamil Nadu’s youth. Launched in February 2024, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has quickly built a robust organizational structure, leveraging Vijay’s fan clubs, previously known as Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, into a political force. TVK positions itself as a third front, distinct from the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK, with a clear anti-BJP stance. Vijay’s campaign is centered on promoting secularism, inclusiveness, and anti-corruption policies, with a focus on addressing the needs of youth, farmers, and marginalized communities.

The campaign tour is part of a broader strategy to establish TVK’s presence at the grassroots level. The party plans to appoint over 70,000 booth agents across Tamil Nadu to strengthen its electoral machinery for the 2026 elections. Vijay’s public meetings are designed to articulate TVK’s vision of a “conscientious democracy,” where governance is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the common man’s concerns. His ability to draw large crowds, particularly among younger voters, has fueled speculation about TVK’s potential to disrupt Tamil Nadu’s bipolar political landscape dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.

Public Reception and Political Implications

The launch of Vijay’s campaign has generated immense enthusiasm, particularly among his fans and younger demographics. TVK cadres have decorated Trichy with banners, posters, and flags, creating a festive atmosphere ahead of his public meetings. The warm welcome for his campaign vehicle at Vikravandi, marked by flower showers and traditional gestures, underscores the excitement surrounding his political entry. However, political analysts are divided on TVK’s electoral prospects. Some believe Vijay could attract anti-DMK votes, potentially fragmenting the opposition and indirectly benefiting the ruling party, while others see him capturing a significant share of the youth vote, challenging parties like Naam Tamilar Katchi.

TVK faces challenges, including allegations of targeted restrictions by the DMK-led state government. Vijay and TVK leaders, such as Aadhav Arjuna, have accused the administration of imposing stringent police conditions to hinder the campaign, a claim the DMK has dismissed. Despite these hurdles, Vijay’s campaign is seen as a bold attempt to translate his cinematic charisma into political influence, drawing comparisons to actors-turned-politicians like M.G. Ramachandran and Vijayakanth, who left lasting legacies in Tamil Nadu politics.

Logistical and Security Arrangements

The Trichy police have implemented extensive security measures to manage the expected crowds at Vijay’s events. The original plan to hold a public address at Chathiram Bus Stand was rejected due to traffic concerns, leading to the selection of Marakkadai Junction as an alternative venue. TVK has agreed to comply with all police conditions, including providing medical assistance, drinking water, and traffic management support at the venues. Organizers are also tasked with ensuring that ambulances have clear passage, reflecting the party’s commitment to public safety.

Vijay’s campaign tour is planned to cover all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu in 15 phases, with upcoming stops in Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai. The tour, scheduled to continue until December 20, aims to build a strong grassroots network and amplify TVK’s message. The success of this campaign will hinge on Vijay’s ability to navigate logistical challenges, maintain public enthusiasm, and present a compelling vision for Tamil Nadu’s future.