An emotional Vijay, his voice rising with rage and appeal, told a cheering crowd in Vellore on Monday that the coming Tamil Nadu Assembly election would be a “war against corruption”. Pausing between sharp lines, as supporters roared in approval, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazagham (TVK) chief described his bond with the people as one of “flesh and blood” and said rival parties had united against him ahead of the polls due later this year.

Addressing the public rally, he said criticism directed at him was, in effect, aimed at the people.

“When accusations are thrown at me, it feels as though they are aimed at the people themselves.

If they claim I do not understand politics, it is no different from claiming that the people lack understanding.”

He framed the contest as historic.

“This is like an election that comes once in 50 years. In this election, everyone has united to oppose Vijay. This is a war against corruption for the people of Tamil Nadu. Before entering politics, what were your assets? After entering politics, what are your assets? Let every politician answer this. If you insult me, it is like insulting the people. Vijay and the people are bound by blood and flesh,” Vijay said.

Targets DMK government over governance and safety

Vijay pointed to what he called gaps in basic services, including bus connectivity and hospitals in several hill villages. He attacked the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s “Be Safe Model”, claiming women now see it as a “We Are Not Safe Model”.

He said a TVK government would strengthen law and order so that women, men and children could live safely.

He also accused the DMK-led administration of running a “fake model” and mocked it as “stand-up comedy”.

“In the Tamil Nadu elections, the competition is between Vijay and Stalin Sir. Tamil Nadu is Vijay, Vijay is Tamil Nadu. The war is between TVK and DMK. Today, there is a fake model government. A stand-up comedy state government is currently ruling in Tamil Nadu. This election will be a historic election, and it's a miracle election,” Vijay said.

Direct contest claim as alliances take shape

Projecting a direct fight, he said the battle was between TVK and DMK, and between “the Tamil Nadu people and Stalin sir”. He urged voters to back TVK’s “whistle” symbol.

“MK Stalin has given fake promises and is cheating people. After we (TVK) form a government in Tamil Nadu, I will personally meet everyone and go to every district and meet my people. This election is with the Tamil Nadu people and against the DMK government. The competition is between the Tamil Nadu people and Stalin sir. Our vote, our rights, no one can take away our votes. Our vote for the whistle symbol. We will never allow anyone to grab our votes, it's true,” Vijay said.

He also cited remarks by D. K. Barooah — “India is Indira, Indira is India” — about Indira Gandhi.

Elections are scheduled for the first half of the year, with the principal contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led National Democratic Alliance. Vijay, who retired from acting ahead of the polls, is making his political debut with TVK.