Vijay says TVK is the only ‘fearless alternative,’ promises statehood for Puducherry

PUDUCHERRY: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor-politician Vijay positioned his party as the only "fearless alternative" to the established alliances in Puducherry, whom he accused of betraying the people of the Union territory. Campaigning for the candidates of his party and alliance partner Puducherry-based Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK) in Puducherry on Saturday, Vijay spared no effort in dismantling the credibility of the two major fronts, one led by Congress and the other by the All India NR Congress. TVK is contesting in 28 constituencies while NMK is contesting in two constituencies.Vijay labelled the INDIA bloc a "confused team," alleging that while they claim to be allies, they are secretly working against each other in several constituencies.

He specifically pointed to the historical decline of Congress in the region as evidence of leadership failure.Calling NDA an "exhausted alliance," Vijay mocked the daily flipflops regarding their partnership. "One side says there is an alliance, the other says there isn't. They are playing games with the people's trust," he remarked. He alleged that a "secret alliance" exists between certain major players in Puducherry, similar to what he claims is happening in Tamil Nadu, to keep new forces out of power.

Vijay took a hard line on the long-standing demand for special statehood for the Union territory. He questioned why both Congress and BJP, despite holding power at the Centre for decades, ignored the 20-year-old late Union minister Sushma Swaraj committee report recommending statehood for Puducherry.Vijay listed out a 10-point "vision and agenda" for Puducherry, promising immediate relief if voted to power.

He promised that the party will initiate 100% legal effort to secure full statehood without lieutenant governor’s interference, hold local body elections within six months of assuming office, extend Rs 25,000 maternity financial assistance, fill up all vacant govt posts, extend 100% crop insurance for farmers, Rs 20 subsidy per litre of diesel for fishermen, Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage per family and 200 units of free electricity for BPL families and set up a state university.Concluding his address with an adapted song, Vijay told the cheering crowd: "I am a lone man... but if I move, there are eight crore people behind me. Write history by holding onto this last hope." With the April 9 polls approaching, Vijay's aggressive entry has significantly disrupted the traditional two-way contest in Puducherry, particularly in urban segments where his fan base is most concentrated.