Nagapattinam: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, on the second leg of his political tour across Tamil Nadu, launched a strong attack on Chief Minister M K Stalin while addressing a public meeting in Nagapattinam on Sunday, pledging support for fishermen and accusing the state government of prioritising family interests over people’s welfare.

Beginning his speech, Vijay said, “Warm greetings from Vijay, who will always be a fisherman’s friend. I am in the land of Nagapattinam, which is very close to my heart. Nagapattinam is an example of secularism without religious divisions. But hearing the speeches of politicians who speak only in dialects makes my ears bleed. Have these politicians ruled for ten years?”

He reminded the crowd that Nagapattinam is Tamil Nadu’s second-largest fish exporter but lacks the proper facilities for the industry.

“The government, which should provide these facilities, has no time. Their priority is the development and self-interest of their own family. Fishermen never demand grand development projects. But whenever the Chief Minister goes abroad, he returns smiling, claiming crores in investment. Chief Minister, tell me...are these foreign investments for Tamil Nadu, or investments abroad for your family?”

Voice for fishermen

Vijay highlighted the repeated attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

“I spoke about these attacks at the Madurai conference too. Is it wrong to raise my voice for the welfare of fishermen? Today, I am raising my voice for them again. In 2011, I held a public meeting in Nagapattinam condemning these attacks. This is not new for me. I was there then, and I am here now. If the people who need to understand this understand, it will be good. It is our duty to stand up for the Tamils of Eelam.”

Campaign on weekends

Explaining why his tour was planned for weekends, Vijay said,

“When this tour was announced, some asked why I was only coming on Saturdays. It was planned this way so people’s work is not disturbed. They can attend on weekends and holidays. Also, some people need a rest from politics too. That is why my campaign is on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Restrictions on campaign

Vijay criticised the government for what he called excessive restrictions on his events.

“There are so many restrictions on meeting people. Permission is denied in many places. Even when permission is given, I am told not to speak for more than 10 minutes, or even 5 minutes. I end up speaking only for 3 minutes. What should I do under such conditions?

“When I went to Ariyalur, there was power cut. In Trichy, the microphone wire was cut. They are restricting me so much that I have to raise my hand from inside the bus to greet people.”

He questioned whether such rules would apply to senior leaders of the ruling party.

“If the RSS chief or Prime Minister Modi came in the same way, would you impose these restrictions? Would you cut the power? No. If you did, your very foundation would shake.”

“CM Sir, are you threatening me?”

Directly addressing Stalin, Vijay asked, “CM sir, are you threatening me? This Vijay is not afraid. If you, who rob in your family’s name and politics, have this much, then how much more will I, who worked hard and earned my living, have?

“We only asked for a place to meet people peacefully. But instead, you are granting us spaces where crises are already brewing. Do you mean to stop me from meeting people and hearing their grievances?”

“Not afraid of a contest”

Accusing the Chief Minister of “anarchic politics”, Vijay said he was not standing alone.

“There is a people’s army behind me. I repeat, the 2026 elections will be a contest between two parties; DMK and TVK. Stop threatening me and come face the elections honestly. Then the people will decide: will you, the leader who robs family in the name of policy, or is it Vijay who will be present in every home of Tamil Nadu?”

He ended his speech with a warning, “If you impose restrictions on me now, I will seek permission directly from the people. This war cry will not let you sleep, it will haunt you every minute.”