Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay held massive roadshows in Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur yesterday, drawing thousands of enthusiastic supporters as he launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government and vowed to stand by fishermen, farmers, and the poor.
At Nagapattinam: Voice for Fishermen and Coastal Communities
Addressing the crowd in Nagapattinam, Vijay began his speech with tributes to Periyar and the local soil that, he said, symbolized equality and hard work. He recalled his long association with the fishermen’s struggles, noting that he had spoken against Sri Lankan navy attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen as far back as 2011.
“Standing up for our fishermen is not a crime. It is our duty, our right,” Vijay declared, drawing loud applause. He criticized the DMK government for neglecting coastal infrastructure, pointing out the absence of modern fish processing units, proper housing, clean bus stands, medical facilities, and job-creating industries.
Vijay also alleged that the DMK plays politics even with fishermen’s lives:
“We are not like DMK which writes a letter after fishermen die and then stays silent. We are not like BJP which divides fishermen into Indian, Tamil Nadu, and others. For us, all lives are equal.”
He demanded permanent solutions to coastal erosion, regulation of prawn farms, revival of closed industries, and speedy completion of pending projects such as the Thanjavur–Nagapattinam highway and the Nagapattinam railway.
Taking aim at Chief Minister Stalin, Vijay accused him of prioritizing foreign trips and family interests over people’s welfare. “Tell me honestly, CM sir—are these investments really for Tamil Nadu, or only for your family abroad?” he asked.
Vijay also condemned repeated restrictions on his public meetings. “If you keep blocking me, I will seek permission directly from the people. Do you want me not to meet my people, not to hear their grievances, not to raise my voice for them?” he thundered, asserting that the 2026 election battle will be only between TVK and DMK.
At Tiruvarur: Support for Farmers, Attack on Corruption
Arriving in Tiruvarur wearing a green shawl in solidarity with farmers, Vijay evoked the district’s cultural pride, recalling how his movement had helped revive the historic Thiruvarur chariot festival. He contrasted this with what he called the DMK’s failure:
“Today, Stalin has chained down Tamil Nadu’s progress just like the chariot that stands still.”
He highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure in the CM’s own native district, citing poor roads, non-functioning medical equipment, and incomplete rail projects. He also exposed corruption in paddy procurement centers, where he alleged farmers are being charged ₹40 commission per sack of paddy.
“This means farmers have lost crores under this government. Farmers do not lie, and they told me this directly,” Vijay said, challenging the Chief Minister to respond.
Promising a transparent and realistic election manifesto, Vijay said TVK’s vision is clear:
- No compromise on education, ration, women’s safety, and basic needs
- A Tamil Nadu free from poverty, corruption, and family dominance
- True people’s governance built on conscience
Massive Public Response
In both districts, Vijay’s speeches were met with loud cheers and chants of “TVK, TVK,” as supporters waved party flags and thronged the roadshows. “Is this just a crowd, or is this people’s power?” Vijay asked in Thiruvarur, drawing a thunderous response.
Concluding his speeches, Vijay urged the people to stay confident: “Victory is certain. This government’s arrogance will not last. Together, we will build a just and prosperous Tamil Nadu.”