‘Selfish Family Looting TN In Name Of Dravida Model’: Vijay’s Veiled Attack On DMK At Maiden ‘TVK Maanadu’

Tamil actor Vijay, founder of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), denounced divisive forces and corrupt entities as his party's adversaries during the party's first conference in Vikravandi.

Tamil actor and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) founder, Vijay, took a strong stand against what he described as divisive forces and corrupt entities, terming them as the key adversaries of his party. Speaking at a state public conference in Vikravandi, he unveiled TVK's ideology, which draws inspiration from social justice icons like EVR Periyar and K Kamaraj, and emphasised the party's focus on equality and secular principles.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay, without naming any specific political parties, appeared to take a dig at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its leadership. "You are calling an anti-people government as Dravida model rule and fooling people. Stop painting those opposing you with certain colours," he said, as quoted by news agency PTI. The 'Dravida model government' is a term often used by DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, referring to an inclusive governance model aimed at the welfare of all sections of Tamil society.

Vijay further emphasised that the party's enemies are twofold: "Those spoiling the country with divisive politics is TVK's primary ideological enemy. The next is a selfish family looting Tamil Nadu in the name of Dravida model (governance), using the names of Periyar and Anna; it's our political enemy."

Vijay's remarks also touched upon historical comparisons, citing late leaders like M.G. Ramachandran and N.T. Ramarao, who transitioned from cinema to politics. "Some here have been painting anyone entering politics with a particular colour, fooling people but they will be doing underground dealings, make noises during elections and always talk about fascism. And create majority-minority fears among people who are united," Vijay commented, as quoted by PTI.

He described TVK's principles as rooted in the belief that "everyone is equal by birth" and questioned those who oppose this ideology. According to Vijay, while divisive forces could be easily recognised, "a corrupt entity was like a virus and elusive. It will enact a drama about ideology. Don the cloak of culture protector. It has no face, but only a mask. The mask is the face. The corrupt hypocrites are among us and are presently ruling us now."

TVK Maanadu: Vijay Says Secular Social Justice Is Party's Ideology

Outlining TVK's ideology, Vijay stressed the importance of secular social justice and underscored the party's commitment to "democracy, equality, rational thinking, women's emancipation and a drugs-free Tamil Nadu." He assured that women would play a crucial role in TVK's political journey and that the party would respect individual choices of faith. He clarified that "Periyarist policies were not about atheism but others, including social justice and women's empowerment, for which he strove hard."

In an apparent effort to highlight TVK's inclusive nature, Vijay noted that the party does not distinguish between 'Dravidam' and Tamil nationalism. He explained his decision not to directly name those he criticised during his speech, saying, "I left their names out not out of fear, but we have not come here to name people and attack them using foul language. We want to take forward decent politics with people's support, a decent approach and attack for ideological and political enemies."

TVK Maanadu: Vijay On NEET, Anitha Suicide; Manifesto Includes Removing Governor Post

Recalling personal experiences, Vijay mentioned how the alleged suicide of medical aspirant S. Anitha from Ariyalur, who could not clear the NEET, had deeply impacted him. He argued against the necessity of the entrance examination, drawing a parallel to the loss of his sister and expressing his empathy for Anitha's plight.

Vijay also spoke of his decision to enter politics at the peak of his acting career, even though it meant sacrificing substantial remuneration. He remains optimistic about TVK's prospects in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and expressed his willingness to form alliances, offering partners a share in power—something he said Tamil Nadu is not known for.

Earlier at the event, TVK functionaries unveiled the party's principles and action plan in Vijay's presence. The party's ideology, rooted in the Tirukkural's "pirappokkum ella uyirkkum" (all lives are equal by birth), aims for a society free of caste, creed, and gender-based discrimination. The party has also advocated for proportional representation and called for a caste census to support this goal.

According to India Today, TVK's manifesto includes specific goals such as removing the Governor's post, promoting Tamil as the administrative language in courts, ensuring equal opportunities for women, caste-based census, reinstating education under the state list, removal of discrimination based on religion, caste, colour etc, corruption-free administration, fighting anti-people policies of central government, two language policy for Tamil Nadu, drugs free Tamil Nadu, Code of conduct for lawmakers, Secularism, social justice, equality and democracy.

On the occasion, Vijay was presented with a symbolic sword and copies of the Constitution, Bhagavad Gita, Quran, and Bible, reflecting the party's secular stance.