TVK Leader Vijay Returns to Public Forum with Strong Political Message Against DMK in First Appearance Since Karur Tragedy

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay made his first public appearance since the Karur stampede tragedy, addressing a controlled indoor meeting near Kancheepuram on Sunday.

The actor-turned-politician, who had avoided public events after 41 people died in the Karur rally stampede, delivered a pointed political speech criticizing the ruling DMK while presenting his party's welfare-focused agenda.

TVK had originally planned to launch Vijay's campaign from Salem on December 4, following his private condolence meeting with families of the Karur tragedy victims, whom he had invited to Mamallapuram.

However, police recommended postponing the Salem rally due to the Karthika Deepam festival and logistical issues. In response, the party organized a strictly controlled "People's Meeting" at a private engineering college in Sunguvarchatram, limiting attendance to 2,000 participants from Kancheepuram district, each requiring a QR-coded pass.

The party emphasized this was not a public rally but rather a structured indoor gathering.

During his address, Vijay frequently referenced C.N. Annadurai and MGR, stating his political journey was inspired by their principles. "Annaiyar was born in this very district. MGR kept him on the party flag because he believed in his vision. But what are those who inherited his party doing today?" he questioned.

Vijay indicated that the ruling party's antagonism toward TVK would not discourage him. "Personally, I have no enmity towards anyone. They may hate me, but that does not matter. But if they come to power by lying and pretending to be doing good, how can we stay silent? We will question them," he declared.

The TVK leader established a meaningful connection to Kancheepuram by mentioning how his first field visit began in Parandur during anti-airport protests. "With pain in my heart, I stand today in Anna's birthplace," he stated, adding that his entry into politics had a singular purpose—"to work for the welfare of all Tamil people."

He responded to the Chief Minister's questions about TVK's "policy clarity" by asking, "Did we not have a policy when we demanded caste census? When we opposed CAA? When we asked for education to be moved to the State List? When we demanded equal opportunities?"

Vijay also criticized alleged extensive sand mining in the Palar River. "Palar is the lifeline of Kancheepuram. But the rulers who swear by Periyar and Anna have looted the river. They illegally extracted 22.7 lakh units of sand—worth Rs 4,730 crore. This is in court records and with the Enforcement Directorate," he alleged.

He highlighted the struggles of handloom weavers, noting their wages remained at just Rs 500 despite Kancheepuram's global reputation. The TVK leader compared Delta farmers' suffering during recent rains to the hardships weavers face from declining incomes.

Vijay also criticized authorities for failing to modernize the aging Kancheepuram bus stand. "They say there is a court case. But can't they build another bus stand elsewhere?" he suggested, advocating for a check dam near Avalur lake to address local water needs.

Reaffirming support for Parandur farmers protesting the proposed airport, he stated, "We will stand with them. The government cannot escape this issue."

Vijay then outlined key welfare promises TVK would include in its election manifesto: universal housing, a motorcycle for every household, financial assistance for car purchases, improved public hospitals, and inclusive policymaking incorporating input from fishermen, weavers, teachers, and government employees.

"We will ensure strict law and order and protect women," he promised. Concluding confidently, he said, "They target us because they know TVK is rising. When we come to power, the people will welcome us."