Tiruchi: Popular Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay launched his first State-wide political tour from Tiruchi on Saturday (September 13, 2025), marking a new phase in his political journey ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The actor, who floated his party in February 2024, is seeking to position himself as a key challenger to established political players.
Vijay hits the road after State conferences
After addressing two State conferences in Vikravandi and Madurai, Vijay has now embarked on a road campaign, projecting himself as a gamechanger in Tamil Nadu politics. His first stop was Marakkadai junction in Tiruchi East Assembly constituency, a compact seat with a significant minority population.
Party insiders speculated that Vijay could consider contesting from this constituency, currently represented by S. Inigo Irudhayaraj of Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam, who won on a DMK ticket in 2021.
Grand welcome for the TVK chief
TVK cadres from Tiruchi and nearby districts thronged the venue since morning. Supporters occupied rooftops and lined the route from the airport to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician. A custom-built campaign bus has been designed for Vijay’s tour, allowing him to address large gatherings.
Police had granted permission for the Tiruchi meeting with 23 conditions, which drew criticism from Vijay, who called the restrictions excessive. Despite this, the turnout suggested strong grassroots enthusiasm for his campaign.
Tour schedule expands to more districts
Following his Tiruchi events, Vijay will travel to Ariyalur and Perambalur districts on the same day. He is scheduled to address gatherings near the Old Bus Stand in Ariyalur, at Kunnam, and later at Vanoli Thidal in Perambalur.
The actor’s next round of public meetings will be on September 20 across Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai districts, signalling TVK’s intent to strengthen its presence across diverse regions of Tamil Nadu.
Political positioning and challenges
Vijay has consistently positioned his party against “corruption” and “divisiveness,” criticising both the ruling DMK in the State and the BJP at the Centre. He has declared the BJP as TVK’s “ideological enemy” and the DMK as his “political enemy,” while keeping the AIADMK at a cautious distance.
Although he indicated openness to power-sharing in the past, Vijay is yet to finalise alliances for the 2026 polls. Political observers note that his growing popularity, especially among young voters, could disrupt traditional vote banks, but stress that electoral success will depend on organisational strength beyond star appeal.
Conclusion
Vijay’s first State-wide tour reflects his determination to build TVK into a competitive force in Tamil Nadu politics. While his popularity ensures visibility, the coming months will test his ability to convert crowd support into structured voter backing. His focus on corruption-free and inclusive politics is expected to remain the central theme of his campaign as the countdown to the 2026 elections begins.