In his first major public appearance since the tragic stampede in Karur, actor-turned-politician Vijay launched a blistering attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during a massive rally in Erode on Thursday. Framing the upcoming political battle as a clash between an "evil force" and a "pure force," Vijay positioned himself as the inheritor of Tamil Nadu's social justice legacy while directly challenging the incumbent government's record.
A Homecoming and a Declaration of War
Addressing a crowd estimated at over 30,000 people, largely comprising youth in their 20s and 30s, Vijay began by paying homage to Erode as the 'land of turmeric' (manjal). He highlighted the struggles of turmeric farmers, accusing successive governments of failing to protect their livelihoods. This set the tone for a speech that wove local issues with broader ideological critiques.
He invoked the legacy of the 13th-century chieftain Kalingarayan, famed for constructing the Kalingarayan dam and canal system. "Kalingarayan had the courage to build," Vijay stated, linking that historical courage to the strength he derives from the public. "That courage is what you are witnessing in me today – the courage given by my mothers, my sisters, my elder sisters, and my comrades," he said, amid roaring applause.
The Unbreakable 30-Year Bond vs. Political Mud-Slinging
Vijay directly countered attempts by opponents to tarnish his image with defamatory stories. He emphasized that his connection with the people was not a recent political calculation but a bond forged over three decades since his childhood entry into cinema. "This is a bond of thirty to thirty-three years," he declared. "They don't know that this relationship with people did not begin now."
In a powerful moment of crowd interaction, he asked, "Am I right or wrong?" and "Will you abandon me?" The resounding response from the audience seemed to be the validation he sought. "This sound, this response – for my whole life, I will be thankful to you," he responded.
Governance vs. "Make-Believe Show"
Shifting to governance, Vijay contrasted the visionary irrigation projects of the past with current inaction. He questioned why the Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme, promising benefits across three districts, remained unimplemented. "In the 21st century, we don't see that thinking," he lamented. "Are you running a government," he asked pointedly, "or a make-believe show?"
He accused the DMK of "model governance" claims that were shameful in the face of realities like power tariff hikes hurting small industries and alleged corruption in power purchase tenders.
Claiming Periyar's Legacy, Naming the Enemy
In a significant ideological move, Vijay anchored his politics in Erode's legacy as the birthplace of Thanthai Periyar. He stated that Periyar, along with C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran, belonged to a shared political heritage of Tamil Nadu. "Nobody has the right to sit and cry claiming monopoly over Anna or MGR," he asserted, challenging the DMK's custodianship of Dravidian ideology.
He then posed two critical questions to the crowd: "Who is our political enemy?" and "Who is our ideological enemy?" The crowd's answers—"DMK" and "BJP" respectively—were met with his approval. "This much understanding is more than enough," he said.
Vijay sharpened his attack, accusing those using Periyar's name today of looting public money. "What protects you," he told the ruling party, "is the huge money you have looted. What protects me is this mass and their unconditional love."
Cinema Dialogue or Political Content?
Anticipating criticism of his oratory style, Vijay dismissed claims that his speeches were mere "cinema dialogue." "Why do you even bother about my speech? Talk about the content," he retorted. He defined his politics as traveling district-to-distray to raise people's issues. "If that is not politics, what is?" he asked. "Is politics only about talking ill of others?"
He clarified that his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is not against welfare but against schemes being portrayed as charity. "My people should live with dignity and respect. They are not lesser than anyone," he stated.
The Final Verdict: Evil Force vs. Pure Force
Vijay culminated his address with a stark characterisation of the political contest. He recalled how past leaders like MGR and Jayalalithaa had termed the DMK a "theeyya sakthi" (evil force). "Now I understand why," he said, before declaring multiple times, "DMK is a theeyya sakthi." In contrast, he proclaimed, "TVK is a thooyya sakthi (pure force). This fight is between the evil force DMK and the pure force TVK."
Responding to Chief Minister M K Stalin's recent remarks questioning his character, Vijay turned the tables. "My character is the character of the people," he asserted. "If you don't understand, the people will make you understand in 2026."
Concluding on a note of certainty, Vijay said, "Everything that is going to happen will be good. Victory is sure." He ended with an appeal for the crowd to return home safely, marking a strategic and combative return to the public stage ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.
