Vijay brands DMK an ‘evil force’, positions TVK as people-centric alternative

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay on Thursday (December 18, 2025) launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, describing it as an “evil force” and projecting his party as a “pure force” committed to people-oriented governance. He said former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa had used similar descriptions for the DMK, and that he was reiterating their stance. “The political contest will be between these two forces alone,” he said.

Addressing a campaign meeting near the Vijayamangalam toll plaza in Perundurai taluk — his first public address since the Karur stampede on September 27 — Mr. Vijay said his political journey was built on long-standing ties with the people, developed over more than three decades. Claiming that a “conspiratorial group” was spreading false allegations to tarnish his image, he said such efforts would fail because his relationship with the people was deep-rooted and enduring. “These bonds are not recent; they go back over 30 years,” he added, noting that public support remained steadfast.

Referring to Erode district’s agrarian heritage, Mr. Vijay highlighted the importance of turmeric cultivation and recalled the historic role of the Kalingarayan anicut and canal system in safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. He criticised successive governments for failing to implement and expand irrigation projects, such as the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme, which he said could benefit lakhs of acres across several districts.

Accusing the DMK of failing to honour its electoral promises, Mr. Vijay listed certain unfulfilled assurances, including the waiver of education loans, the abolition of NEET, river-linking projects, and river-cleaning initiatives. He alleged that while river sand mining continued unchecked, the concerns of farmers, weavers, and small-scale producers remained neglected.

Describing C.N. Annadurai and M.G.R. as enduring icons and assets of the State, Mr. Vijay said no one could object to invoking them. “No one can say, ‘Anna is ours, M.G.R. is ours; you must not take them,’” he said. He maintained that the TVK was pursuing an independent political course and criticised detractors who repeatedly attacked the party while dismissing it as irrelevant. “I have no fear,” he said.

Mr. Vijay further alleged that although the DMK claimed to follow Periyar’s principles, it was misusing his legacy for corrupt practices. “Those exploiting his name are my true political adversaries,” he added.

On turmeric procurement, Mr. Vijay alleged that farmers were being denied fair prices and that corruption had seeped into the procurement process. He said there had been no serious effort to ensure value addition or implement transparent pricing mechanisms.

Recalling that his speech in Kancheepuram had been misrepresented, the TVK leader said he was not opposed to welfare schemes but objected to the misuse of public funds under the guise of governance. “I oppose calling people’s welfare ‘freebies.’ How can spending people’s money on people be called free?” he questioned. He blamed the DMK for its empty promises and raised concerns over education, asking who had closed the 207 government schools and under whose rule school dropouts had increased. “And they stage a drama calling it ‘Best State in Education,’” he added.

Reiterating that the TVK would contest the 2026 Assembly elections with clarity on its political adversaries, Mr. Vijay said the party would take on only those actively in the electoral arena, identifying the DMK as its principal rival. Calling on both the State and Union governments to understand his character, he said, “My character is the character of the people. In the 2026 Assembly elections, that character will be different. Please understand it. If you don’t, the people will make you understand.”

Welcoming former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan into the party, Mr. Vijay said his induction would strengthen the TVK and expressed confidence that more senior leaders would join in the coming days.

Crowd management

The police estimated the crowd at between 18,000 and 20,000. No untoward incidents were reported. Around 1,900 police personnel were deployed for crowd and traffic management, both inside and outside the venue. Two cadres complained of dizziness and were treated at the Government Hospital in Perundurai.

From early Thursday, the police diverted TVK cadres’ vehicles at various points on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway to direct them toward designated parking areas. Outside the meeting venue, TVK cadres began gathering from 6 a.m., and police deployed in the area guided them into the venue. By 9 a.m., large numbers of cadres had arrived. Bakeries and hotels in the vicinity were crowded, with water and food running short outside the venue. TVK vehicles were allowed to pass through the Vijayamangalam toll gate without paying a toll.

As news spread that Mr. Vijay was nearing Vijayamangalam, thousands of cadres gathered at the toll gate to welcome their leader. The police arranged for his vehicle to move in the third lane to prevent crowds from approaching it. For over 20 minutes, all vehicles at the toll plaza were allowed to pass free of charge to avoid traffic congestion. Exactly at 11.14 a.m., Mr. Vijay crossed the Vijayamangalam toll plaza, waving to the crowd.

After he entered the venue, thousands of cadres remained outside due to the large crowd inside. During his speech, many cadres stood on the central median despite police requests to move. After Mr. Vijay concluded his address around 12.30 p.m., thousands gathered again at the toll plaza to see him. Post-meeting, traffic was halted for over 15 minutes because of the large crowd leaving the venue. The police made way for three ambulances stuck in the crowd. Traffic on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway returned to normal about an hour later.