Inside Vijay's big-bang political entry

TVK president and veteran actor Vijay named his party's ideological leaders as Periyar, BR Ambedkar and K. Kamaraj. He also named Velu Nachiyar and freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal as the party's guiding forces.
Actor and founder of TVK Vijay arrives at the public rally at Vikravandi
Actor and founder of TVK Vijay arrives at the public rally at Vikravandi
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The first State conference of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the new party launched by actor-politician Vijay, took place in Villupuram district's Vikravandi . TVK functionaries and lakhs of supporters thronged the venue to hail their leader.

Upon his arrival, Vijay, paid floral tributes to the photographs of freedom fighters and language martyrs at the venue. He then hoisted the party's flag on a 100-foot-tall pole at the entrance of the venue using remote control. later, he addressed the gathering, opening a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics

Highlights from TVK's first state conference:

Party chief and functionaries take pledge

Following the recital of Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu song, TVK treasurer Venkatraman administered oath to the gathering. TVK functionaries and the party chief pledged that they will appreciate the fighters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the country and honour the countless soldiers who fought tirelessly for the rights of the people from Tamil soil.

They commit to removing differences based on caste, religion, gender, and place of birth, creating awareness among the people, and striving for equal opportunities and rights for all. They solemnly affirm their dedication to upholding the principle of equality for all living beings.

After the oath, Bussy Anand, general secretary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, delivered the welcome address. He stated, "We were a people's movement. You (Vijay) started Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to create a political identity and recognition for us. Lakhs gathered here for this historical conclave only for you." Anand also welcomed Vijay's parents, who were present at the event.

TVK ideologies revealed

An ideological song of the party was released, starting with the tagline "Everyone is equal at birth." The song features Vijay speaking, where he identifies the party's ideological leaders as Periyar, Kamaraj, Ambedkar, Velu Nachiyar, and Anjalai Ammal, emphasising the goal of creating an equal society without differences of caste, religion, or gender.

"I am coming to work for the people through Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, following secular social justice ideologies," Vijay says. In the song Vijay expresses his commitment to serving the people of Tamil Nadu based on "secular social justice ideologies."

The party had previously released its flag anthem.

Party functionaries announces Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's vision

TVK aims to establish a branch of the state secretariat in Madurai, indirectly suggesting that Madurai is Tamil Nadu's second capital.

In addition, TVK swears by a two-language policy, promoting Tamil as the primary language while recognising the importance of English.

Moreover, TVK advocates for the removal of the Governor's post.

Agricultural lands under encroachment will be retrieved. Padhaneer will be declared the state drink, and a special law will be enacted to eliminate narcotic substances. Government officials will be required to wear cotton clothes twice a week to support the weaving community.

Steps will be taken to ensure the direct procurement of uniforms for students, health professionals, and cleanliness workers from the weavers by the government. Duly supporting the local weaving community,

A scientific method will be adopted to reduce the gap between the selling price of agricultural produce and the purchase price for consumers.

Encroachments in water resources will be removed, and dams with large storage capacity will be constructed across the state.

The palm industry will be improved, and Karupatti milk will be sold through Aaavin parlours.

Vijay's speech

Beginning his speech during TVK’s first state conference, party president Vijay said, “Many comment that we are children in politics. But we are children who play with the snake of politics with confidence.”

He equated politics to a snake, asserting that he is here to tackle it without fear but with seriousness and a smile. Criticising the existing style of political speeches, he emphasised that getting straight to the point should be our approach.

“When everything changes, politics must change too. Should only science and technology change and develop? Should politics not change and develop?”

“I am not here to waste time discussing other politicians, but I will not turn a blind eye to them either. I won’t speak for hours, recount history, or rattle off statistics. It’s important to keep it short and sweet. If we can explain simply what the problem is and what is needed, that is sufficient.”

He declared, “Periyar is our ideological leader, but we will not adopt only his atheistic stance, nor do we agree with it. As C.N. Annadurai said, ‘Ondre kulam, oruvane thevan’ is our stand. However, we will embrace Periyar's principles on women's education, equality, and social justice.”

“Our other ideological leader is K. Kamaraj. Similarly, B.R. Ambedkar, whose name sends jitters to those against social equality, will also be our guiding force.”

Vijay added that TVK is the first party to embrace women leaders as icons, noting that Velu Nachiyar and freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal will also be the party's guiding forces.

He further stated, “What is important is to take a political stand. If we take a stand, it will automatically identify who our opponents are. When we say 'all are born equal,' we have identified who our real opponents are. We are fighting not only against divisive politics but also against corrupt forces," he said.

"It is easier to identify the divisive forces, but it is difficult to identify the corrupt forces who may hide behind the mask of ideology and principles. Those who rule here are the corrupt forces,” says Vijay, in a veiled attack on the DMK.

Vijay further stated, “Some people say it is better to teach a person how to fish rather than provide fish. We do not believe in that. Those who can fish, let them fish. Those who cannot, let us fish and give it to them as well. Nothing is wrong if it does good for the people. The ends justify the means will be our administrative strategy. This mass gathering is here not for cash but for a good cause. Those who engage in divisive politics are our ideological enemies.”

Vijay's Critique of the DMK

He continued his criticism of DMK, he asserted, “In the name of the Dravidian model government, a family exploits the State in the name of Periyar. You are projecting an anti-people government as a 'Dravidian model' government. They are our political enemies.

Further challenging the DMK's narrative on BJP at the Centre, Vijay questioned their characterization of the BJP as "fascist," asking rhetorically, “Avanga fascism na neenga enna payasama?” which translates to “You criticize the BJP by calling it fascism, but what are you doing?”

Vijay finally ended his speech by stating that his party is confident that the people will make TVK win by giving them a majority. "However, some people may want to travel with us; such a political situation may arise. Therefore, should we not embrace them?" he asked.

A Carnival for enthusiastic crowds at a venue reflecting political heritage

A carnival atmosphere prevailed in Villupuram as Vijay, their one and only 'Thalapathy,' officially made his political entry with his maiden party conference.

The venue’s main entrance is styled like Chennai’s Fort St. George—the seat of the TN government.

Vijay's party has adopted the slogan "Pirappokkum Yellam Uyirkkum" (All Are Born Equal), indicating a strong commitment to social justice.

Large cutouts of Vijay are displayed alongside images of BR Ambedkar and Periyar, suggesting an intention to establish a centrist position that differentiates him from the DMK and other political parties.

TVK flags are prominently displayed along GST Road, stretching from Tambaram to V. Salai near Vikravandi. However, this lead to significant traffic congestion, with vehicles backed up for several kilometres.

Even as organisers claimed that arrangements were made for around two lakh people, almost half of the venue seating had been filled even by around 6 am. With the timings not made clear by the organisers, fans had trickled in from as early as Saturday midnight and they were allowed into the venue.

By 11 am, all five designated parking areas were filled, hours before the conference was set to begin. Latecomers parked along the national highway near the Vikravandi toll plaza, walking the remaining five kilometres to the venue.

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