Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally key highlights: Vijay calls for power sharing in 2026 Assembly poll alliance

During the public meeting at V. Salai in Vikravandi, TVK party’s ideologies and goals were elaborated.

Updated - October 28, 2024 05:48 pm IST

Actor Vijay speaking at the debut public rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Vikravandi on October 27, 2024.

Actor Vijay speaking at the debut public rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Vikravandi on October 27, 2024. | Photo Credit: Kumar SS

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Eight months after 50-year-old C. Joseph Vijay, one of the most celebrated actors of Tamil cinema, announced his foray into electoral politics by floating his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party hosted its first State-level conference at Vikravandi in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu on October 27, 2024 (Sunday). 

Ending a decade-long speculation, Mr. Vijay took the political plunge on February 2, this year, announcing decision to contest in 2026 Assembly polls. He launched his party’s flag and flag song at TVK’s headquarters in Panaiyur near Chennai on August 22. In less than three weeks, he took to social media to announce that the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as a registered political party.

Also Read | MGR to Vijay: Tamil actors who took the political plunge

Mr. Vijay who is at the peak of his acting career is India’s second highest celebrity taxpayer, according to Fortune India Magazine. He debuted as a lead star in the Tamil movie Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992 (directed by his father S.A. Chandrasekhar), years after he first faced the camera as a child actor. His latest movie GOAT grossed over ₹300 crore at the box office within five days of its release. The H. Vinoth directorial tentatively titled Thalapathy 69will be Vijay’s last outing as an actor. 

Follow LIVE updates here:

Watch the live proceedings from TVK’s public meet in Vikravandi
  • October 27, 2024 21:16
    Vijay lashes out at looting in the name of ‘Dravidian model’

    Setting his path clear in politics, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay, on Sunday (October 27, 2024), declared that his party will fight against sectarian forces “ideologically” and ‘Dravida model’-invoking corrupt forces “politically”. He also declared the party is open to sharing power with parties, which approach the TVK in 2026 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. - S. Prasad, N. Sai Charan

    TVK conference: Vijay lashes out at looting in the name of ‘Dravidian model’; open for alliance, power sharing

  • October 27, 2024 20:44
    TVK president Vijay at public rally

    Villupuram: Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam Vijay addresses his pary's first political conference, at Vikravandi in Villupuram district, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI10_27_2024_000250B)

  • October 27, 2024 20:00
    Glimpse from TVK public rally

    **EDS: SCREENSHOT VIA @PTI_News** Villupuram: Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam Vijay addresses during his pary's first political conference, at Vikravandi in Villupuram district, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI10_27_2024_000204B)

  • October 27, 2024 19:22
    Visuals from the ground
  • October 27, 2024 18:31
    Vijay asserts power sharing in alliance

    “We have unshakeable faith in people that they would make us victorious with single majority (in the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls). If parties wish to form alliance, we will give them power share in governance,” mentioned TVK president Vijay.

  • October 27, 2024 18:12
    Vijay reasons out

    “Shunning the peak of my career and its pay, I have come (into politics) believing in you all,” states TVK president Vijay

  • October 27, 2024 18:07
    Vijay hits at critics

    Reacting to critics who call him an artiste, Vijay draws parallels to late MGR and NTR who created lasting impressions in the politics of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh respectively.

  • October 27, 2024 18:01
    TVK against NEET

    Women are going to play a vital role in my political journey, says Vijay who recalls the suicide of Ariyalur student Anitha who died over NEET issue.

  • October 27, 2024 17:59
    Vijay criticises BJP, DMK

    During his speech, Vijay takes a dig at BJP and DMK by criticising fascism and Dravidian model. 

  • October 27, 2024 17:45
    Who is Anjalai Ammal?

    Many made significant contributions at a great personal cost to India’s independence. But only a few of them occupy a larger space in the public memory while others have fallen into oblivion.

    Anjalai Ammal from Cuddalore, who took part in all major struggles organised by the Congress for more than two decades, falls into the second category. This is despite the fact that she was among the first few women to get elected to the State legislature. She served as a Congress MLA by winning in the 1937 and 1946 elections.

    A freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu who ought to be remembered more

  • October 27, 2024 17:43
    TVK on the path of five leaders

    Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is to travel along the paths laid by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, K. Kamaraj, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Velu Nachiar and Anjalai Ammal, declares party president Vijay

  • October 27, 2024 17:34
    Vijay delivers speech

    Beginning his speech during TVK’s first State conference, party president Vijay said: “Many comment that we are a child in politics. But, we are a child that plays with snake (politics) with confidence.”

  • October 27, 2024 17:28
    More principles

    Further speaking, TVK cadre Catherine said, “A branch of Secretariat will be created at Madurai, caste survey will be conducted, pressure will be exerted to shift education to State list, removal of Governor post will be mooted, at least one third of positions will be given to women.”

  • October 27, 2024 17:22
    Announcement of party principles

    Beginning to list the principles of TVK, party cadre and professor Sampath Kumar said: “All people are equal by birth. It is the aim of the party to create an equitable society.” Secularism, state autonomy, inclusiveness, two-language policy, anti-corruption, rejection of regressive ideas, drug-free Tamil Nadu are the other principals of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

  • October 27, 2024 17:03
    Drone visuals
  • October 27, 2024 16:53
    TVK ideologies revealed

    During the TVK public meeting, the party ideology song is played. The party is to function along the paths shown by Tamil poet Thiruvallur, Periyar, Kamaraj, freedom fighter Velu Nachiayar and Anjalai Ammal.In the song, the party president Vijay is heard saying that he arrives to serve the public with secular social justice’ ideologies.

  • October 27, 2024 16:42
    Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu sung

    Following the recital of Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu, TVK treasurer Venkatraman administered oath to the gathering.Later, the party’s general secretary N. Bussy Anand delivered the welcome address.

  • October 27, 2024 16:26
    Vijay hoists TVK flag

    Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay paid floral tributes to the photographs of freedom fighters and language martyrs. 

    He hoisted the party’s flag in a 100-foot tall pole installed at the entrance of the conference venue through remote control. - N. Sai Charan

  • October 27, 2024 16:23
    Naam Tamilar Katchi welcomes Vijay’s entry into politics

    Seeman, chief coordinator, Naam Tamilar Katchi says, “My heartfelt congratulations for the inaugural conference of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, started under the leadership of my beloved brother Vijay, with a big dream of political change. Let the party’s ideology benefit people of Tamil Nadu and Vijay’s good intentions be fulfilled.”

    - N. Sai Charan

  • October 27, 2024 16:18
    Vijay arrives and greets the crowd at TVK rally

    Actor Vijay arrives at Vikravandi in Viluppuram district for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally.

  • October 27, 2024 16:00
    Can Vijay’s TVK seek a new election symbol in 2026?

    Actor Vijay’s fans-turned-political supporters are now eager to know what the party’s new election symbol would be and whether it would get a common symbol or completely new one. What does the law say about the matter? Mohamed Imranullah explains.

    Can Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam seek a new election symbol in 2026? | Explained

  • October 27, 2024 15:53
    From Vadapalani to Vikravandi: Vijay’s transformation

    Ever since actor Vijay announced the formation of his political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the guessing game began on the party’s ideology, stance and possible tie-up for the 2026 Assembly elections. The TVK stayed away from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and did not extend support to any political party - Thirumalai Arvind

    From Vadapalani to Vikravandi: Vijay’s transformation from celluloid hero to party chief

  • October 27, 2024 15:35
    TVK supporters in celebratory mood at party’s first public rally
  • October 27, 2024 15:29
    Vikravandi decked up for actor Vijay’s debut political rally

    Vikravandi decked up for actor Vijay’s debut political rally

    Actor Vijay rally: Vijay's TVK rally in Vikravandi attracts huge crowds with elaborate arrangements and massive security measures in place.

  • October 27, 2024 15:27
    Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is a registered political party

    The Election Commission of India accepted the application of Tamil cinema’s leading actor Vijay’s political outfit — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam — as a registered political party on September 8, 2024.

    Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is now a registered political party

  • October 27, 2024 15:06
    Objection to Vijay’s TVK flag

    A functionary of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on August 27, 2024 submitted a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) objecting to certain features in the flag of actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

    BSP functionary submits plea to CEO objecting to actor Vijay’s party flag

  • October 27, 2024 15:01
    Vijay launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s flag, flag anthem on August 22

    As a prelude to entering active politics, Tamil cinema’s leading actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay launched his party’s flag and flag song at the party headquarters at Panaiyur in Chennai on August 22, 2024. 

    Actor Vijay launches Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s flag

  • October 27, 2024 14:51
    People enter the rally arena amid elaborate arrangments

    Vijay rally .jpg

  • October 27, 2024 14:49
    Will Vijay succeed where many others could not?

    Since AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran made his party the principal adversary to the DMK in the 1970s, many players tried in the last 50-odd years to develop a formation to dismantle the bipolar system. Observers say Mr. Vijay’s party is untested and its founder himself is an “unknown person” as far as his stand on critical issues is concerned - T. Ramakrishnan

    Will Vijay succeed where many others could not?

  • October 27, 2024 14:35
    SUV overturns at Sheik Hussainpet; two TVK cadres killed, three others injured

    Two TVK cadres were killed and three others sustained injuries after the SUV they were travelling in overturned at Sheik Hussainpet near Ulundurpet in Kallakurichi district on Sunday (October 27, 2024).

    The deceased were identified as Kalai and Srinivasan of Tiruchy along with three others, who were on the way to Vikravandi to attend the party’s first public meeting.

    When the SUV neared Sheik Hussainpet, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and dashed against the median, the impact toppling the vehicle.

    The injured were admitted to the Ulundurpet General Hospital

    - S. Prasad

  • October 27, 2024 14:25
    Cadre registration at event

    The party has set up QR codes at several points at the conference venue for registration of party cadres. 

    Sources said the QR code will enable cadres to get a personalised participatory certificate signed by actor Vijay.

    - S. Prasad

  • October 27, 2024 14:14
    Dravidian politics and Tamil cinema

    The Hindu explores the intertwined history of Kollywood and Tamil Nadu politics, the evolution of cinema as a medium for propaganda and its effect on politics, and examines those who have wielded this tool over time.

    Dravidian politics and Tamil cinema: The conjoined twins of the Tamil motherland

  • October 27, 2024 14:08
    Tamil Nadu politics: a mixed bag for tinseltown stars

    Starting with S.S. Rajendran who became an MLA in 1962, many big stars from the Tamil film industry have dabbled in Tamil Nadu politics. Barring M.G. Ramachandran and his political successor Jayalalithaa, no other matinee idols, including Sivaji Ganesan, K. Bhagyaraj, T. Rajendherr, and R. Sarathkumar, have carved a political base for themselves - T. Ramakrishnan

    In Tamil Nadu, politics has been a mixed bag for its tinseltown stars

  • October 27, 2024 13:53
    Drone visuals of arrangements from Villupuram ahead of TVK’s first conference
  • October 27, 2024 13:48
    Security arrangments for the rally

    Over 6,000 police personnel - under the supervision of Inspector General of Police (North Zone) Asra Garg deployed as part of security arrangements.

    As many as 350 mobile toilets installed for benefit of police personnel on duty and party cadres.

    There will be multiple entry points to the venue. Parking arrangements made for vehicles on 207 acres near the venue.

    Vehicles bound for Tiruchy from Chennai are to be diverted through Tindivanam-Gingee and Tindivanam-Mailam.

    - S. Prasad

  • October 27, 2024 13:48
    Preparations underway for TVK’s mega rally

    Elaborate arrangements have been made for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s first public rally at Vikravandi in the Villupuram district. 

    Arrangements essential for a gathering of more than 1 lakh have been made at the venue. 

    Vijay, who arrived in Vikravandi on Saturday night and stayed in a caravan, will address an expected crowd of 1 lakh at the venue at V.Salai in the town.

    -S. Prasad

  • October 27, 2024 13:47
    Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: change agent or to turn the water murky?

    Actor Vijay’s much-expected announcement of his political entry prompted debates on where he would land and whose space he is going to take over in Tamil political landscape that is crowded with a wide variety of ideologically diverse players: the Naam Tamilar Katchi, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Pattali Makkal Katchi, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and, of course, the two major Dravidian parties - Udhav Naig

    Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: change agent or to turn the water murky?

  • October 27, 2024 13:38
    Traffic at standstill in Vikravandi; vehicles line up to 10 km till Mundiyambakkam

    On Sunday (October 27, 2024), traffic came to a standstill in Vikravandi with vehicles lining up for 10 km up till Mundiyampakkam, on both sides of the Tiruchy-Chennai NH between Tindivanam and Villupuram.

    Traffic diversions were put in place by the Villupuram district police to divert vehicles through alternative routes. Vehicles bound for the conference were allowed to pass through without toll collection.

    A few party workers who arrived at the venue reportedly fainted due to scorching heat and dehydration.

    - S. Prasad/ N. Sai Charan

  • October 27, 2024 13:36
    Actor Vijay floats political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

    Tamil cinema’s leading hero Vijay on February 2, 2024, took the political plunge and announced the formation of his political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam. Positioning himself against the politics of “corruption” and “divisiveness”, Mr. Vijay declared that his party would enter the electoral fray in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. 

    Actor Vijay floats political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, to contest 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls

  • October 27, 2024 13:24
    Signals of Vijay’s political plunge

    For over a decade, there have been speculations about Vijay’s foray into politics.

    Vijay, more particularly his father and director S.A. Chandrasekhar, had been frequently hinting about his entry into electoral politics.

    In June 2023, he organised an award ceremony at Chennai to felicitate the toppers of Board examinations from all the 234 Assembly constituencies of Tamil Nadu. Active preparations were on to transform his fan outfit ‘Vijay Makkal Iyakkam’ into a political party - D. Suresh Kumar

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