Chennai, Sep 13: Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay is all set to launch his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s first-ever election campaign on Saturday from Tiruchi, marking a key moment in the build-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The campaign will officially begin with a public rally in Ariyalur, where Vijay will address his supporters after arriving from Tiruchirapalli.
For the tour, Vijay will travel in a specially designed campaign bus fitted with high-tech cameras, loudspeakers, and protective iron railings to ensure security. The vehicle started from Panayur on Thursday evening, while Vijay himself is flying in today.
To boost his political image, TVK has also unveiled its campaign logo with slogans like “Your Vijay, I Will Not Fail” and “Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s Legacy Returns.”
Meanwhile, police have permitted the rally under strict guidelines — with 25 conditions, including restrictions on roadshows and vehicle convoys. Not more than five vehicles are allowed to follow Vijay’s campaign bus, and barricades for crowd management must be set up by the party itself. Officials have warned that any violation could lead to the rally being stopped immediately.
Historical Significance of Tiruchi
Political experts believe Vijay’s choice of Tiruchi holds great symbolic value. The city has long played a pivotal role in Dravidian politics.
- Former CM M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) held AIADMK’s second state conference here, launched his famous nutritious meal scheme, and even proposed Tiruchi as Tamil Nadu’s second capital.
- DMK founder C.N. Annadurai also chose Tiruchi for crucial decisions, including whether his party would contest elections.
The rally venue, Marakkadai, has been a hotspot for political gatherings. Just days ago, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed a campaign near the MGR statue in the same area, proving Tiruchi remains a political battleground.
A Potential Turning Point?
With Vijay now entering this arena, his supporters see the Tiruchi launch as a possible turning point in Tamil Nadu politics, one that could reshape the state’s electoral dynamics ahead of the 2026 polls. Whether this momentum will convert into long-term political gains, however, remains to be seen.
