Tiruchirappalli: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Saturday launched his statewide campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, beginning from Tiruchirappalli district. The actor-turned-politician is positioning himself as a chief ministerial candidate, with a tour planned across all districts in the state.

Large crowds of TVK supporters gathered for the TVK Vijay Madurai rally, underscoring the growing momentum around his political debut. The city of Trichy was adorned with banners and flags as part of the TVK Vijay statewide tour, reflecting rising grassroots support.

Ahead of the rally, a supporter told ANI:

"We are seeing such a great celebrity (Vijay) for the first time in the city... We are very happy and we are waiting for the 2026 election. He should definitely win. We want a leader who understands youth. He should be the CM, and he will be the CM. We will all support him."

Party General Secretary Anand issued clear guidelines to ensure discipline and public safety during the campaign. Cadres were instructed not to follow Vijay's vehicle, avoid bursting crackers, and refrain from erecting unauthorised banners or flagpoles on highways or public roads — in line with the High Court's directive.

The public was also requested to avoid obstructing traffic or public movement. Vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and those with health issues were advised to watch the events live from home instead of attending in person.

The campaign guidelines further emphasised:

  • Maintaining discipline and law and order
  • Avoiding offensive speech or behaviour
  • Respecting safety zones around buildings, electric posts, transformers, and statues
  • Ensuring clear passage for ambulances, students, women, and the general public
  • Peacefully dispersing after the meeting ends
  • Not erecting unauthorised banners, arches, or flagpoles on highways or public roads, in line with High Court directives

Anand added: “Party cadres and the public must strictly follow these guidelines to ensure the success of our leader’s people’s tour and extend full cooperation to the district organisers.”

TVK has made it clear that Vijay will contest the 2026 elections without forming alliances with either the DMK or BJP, reiterating a "no alliance" stance as part of its independent political strategy.