TVK announces candidates for Tamil Nadu polls, Vijay to contest 2 seats
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Sunday officially announced that he would contest the upcoming state assembly elections. The actor-turned-politician will be contesting from two seats along with his core team members.
He said, “It will be C. Joseph Vijay,” from Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East. While his candidature from Permabur was expected, his decision to fight from ‘Trichy East’ as well came as a surprise for many. The upcoming polls will mark the the debut of the 51-year-old in parliamentary politics.
Addressing party functionaries in Chennai, he named candidates for other seats too. Senior party leaders and Vijay’s inner team members—N. Anand, Adhav Arjuna, R. Arunraaj, CTR Nirmal Kumar, and K. A. Sengottaiyan—were named by the party chief as TVK candidates for seats including T. Nagar, Villivakkam, Gobichettipalayam, and Thirupparankundram.
Elections to the 234 assembly segments in the state will be held on April 23, Thursday.
Reiterating that the electoral fight was between his “people’s alliance TVK and Stalin sir alliance,” he slammed the ruling DMK-led bloc as a mere “patch-up.”
“I have selected as candidates those who would stand with people,” he said.
Vijay announced a series of key election promises, stressing his vision for a drug-free and self-reliant Tamil Nadu. He also assured that all government examinations will be conducted on time without delays. Highlighting youth welfare, Vijay announced a monthly assistance of ₹4,000 for graduates and ₹2,000 for diploma holders.
TVK chief emphasised that his party’s candidates are unlike other parties’ MLAs. According to him, they understand the struggle of the common man, the voice of the people, and protectors of the Assembly.
“Today is an important day, a day where we introduce the true protectors of the people (Candidates). Our candidates come from ordinary backgrounds. They are not people with great wealth or power. They are people who understand the struggles of the common man. Not like other MLAs who are corrupt. An MLA should not rely merely on experience. What matters is integrity, responsibility, and commitment to the people. An MLA is not just a representative; they are the protectors of the Assembly and the voice of the people. I have personally selected each candidate after careful consideration,” he said.
In a veiled attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, he said, “The alliance we speak about (DMK) is not a strong or natural alliance. Such alliances may not last, especially when the outcome is already known.”