Chennai: Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay will on Saturday launch the first election campaign of his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), from Tiruchi, in what is seen as a crucial step towards the 2026 Assembly elections.
The campaign will commence with a public rally in Ariyalur, where Vijay is scheduled to address supporters after travelling from Tiruchirapalli in a specially designed campaign bus. The vehicle is equipped with cameras, loudspeakers, and protective railings to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access.
While his campaign bus left Panayur on Thursday evening, Vijay is set to arrive in Tiruchi by flight earlier today.
The TVK has also unveiled its campaign logo, featuring slogans such as “Your Vijay, I Will Not Fail” and “Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s Legacy Returns,” intended to project his leadership credentials.
Police have permitted the rally but imposed 25 conditions, including a ban on roadshows, receptions, and large convoys. Only five vehicles will be allowed to follow Vijay’s bus, all party workers must assemble at the Ariyalur old bus stand by 11:25 a.m., and the party itself must set up barricades to ensure safety. Authorities have reserved the right to stop the event if rules are breached.
Tiruchi carries symbolic weight in Tamil Nadu politics. It was here that former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran held AIADMK’s second state conference, unveiled his flagship nutritious meal scheme, and even declared Tiruchi the state’s second capital. DMK founder C.N. Annadurai also chose the city to decide whether his party would contest elections, further cementing its political significance.
Vijay’s rally will take place at Marakkadai, a venue long associated with major political gatherings. Only recently, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed supporters near the MGR statue in the same area, highlighting the city’s enduring role as a political battleground.
With Vijay stepping into this arena, supporters believe the Tiruchi launch could prove a turning point, setting the stage for TVK’s challenge in the 2026 elections. Whether this symbolic debut translates into long-term political gains, however, remains uncertain.