NEW DELHI: Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Sunday said that his party has the strength and resolve to defeat “evil” and “corrupt” political forces in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.Addressing party workers at a meeting in Mahabalipuram near Chennai, Vijay said that the TVK party alone had the courage to challenge both the ruling and opposition forces. “Only TVK has the guts and the attitude to take on the ‘evil force’ (DMK) that is ruling now and the ‘corrupt force’ (AIADMK) that ruled earlier. Whether it is this evil force or that corrupt force, both should not rule Tamil Nadu,” he said. The TVK president has clearly positioned the party as a clear alternative to the state’s two dominant Dravidian parties.During the event, Vijay formally unveiled TVK’s party symbol, the whistle and blew it on stage, drawing loud cheers from supporters.Vijay framed the upcoming Assembly polls as a decisive fight for democracy rather than a routine electoral contest.“2026 polls not just an election, but a democratic battle. What is going to happen now is not just an election; it is a democratic battle. You are the commanders who are going to lead this democratic battle,” he told party cadres. Targeting both parties over their political alignments, Vijay accused them of yielding ground to the BJP. “The AIADMK has directly surrendered to the BJP, and the DMK has indirectly surrendered to the BJP. We do not bow down to any pressure. Does this face look like it would succumb to pressure?” he asked.Reflecting on his political journey and public support, the TVK chief said the people’s trust had brought him into politics at the height of his film career. The party was formed in 2024. “For 30 years, these parties underestimated us, but the people gave me this position at the peak of my career. People should have faith not only in me but also in those around me,” he said, urging party workers to remain united and disciplined.Stressing political integrity as TVK’s core principle, Vijay added, “We should not compromise our politics for anything or anyone. Each and every one of you is important to me; you are the frontline warriors. The strength of TVK will win, even if no friendly force is with us.”Describing the purpose of his political entry, he said, “We are here to save the people and protect the soil from anyone who intends to cause harm.”
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