Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay commenced his Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party’s maiden election campaign tour from Tiruchirapalli on Saturday, signaling a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Vijay launches Election Campaign in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchi
The campaign launch featured a public rally in Ariyalur, where Vijay addressed supporters after traveling from Tiruchi aboard a specially-designed campaign vehicle. The custom bus is equipped with advanced cameras, loudspeakers, and protective iron railings to prevent unauthorized access, reflecting the security considerations surrounding the high-profile political debut.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK chief and actor Vijay to begin his statewide campaign today in Trichy district. Visuals from the city as a huge crowd of his party cadres and supporters gather to welcome him. pic.twitter.com/d2VIhAMklx
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025
TVK unveiled its campaign branding with slogans including “Your Vijay, I Will Not Fail” and “Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s Legacy Returns,” emphasizing the actor’s leadership credentials and regional appeal as he transitions from cinema to politics.
Strict Security Protocol amid Vijay’s campaigning
Police granted permission for the rally under stringent conditions, issuing 25 specific guidelines governing the event. Restrictions include prohibitions on roadshows, receptions, and large vehicle convoys. The regulations stipulate that no more than five vehicles may follow Vijay’s campaign bus, all party workers must arrive at Ariyalur old bus stand by 11:25 AM, and the party itself must install safety barricades.
Authorities have reserved the right to halt the rally if any conditions are violated, underscoring the careful oversight of this politically significant event.
Strategic Location Choice
Political observers note Tiruchi’s symbolic importance in Tamil Nadu’s political history. The city has served as a launching pad for major Dravidian political decisions and campaigns.
Former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran held AIADMK’s second state conference in Tiruchi, where he launched his landmark nutritious meal scheme and even declared the city Tamil Nadu’s second capital. Similarly, DMK founder C.N. Annadurai selected Tiruchi for crucial party decisions regarding electoral participation.
This historical precedent adds weight to Vijay’s choice of venue, suggesting strategic positioning within Tamil Nadu’s established political narrative.
What does campaign signify?
The campaign launch represents Vijay’s formal entry into active electoral politics, marking his transition from entertainment industry stardom to serious political contention. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, his campaign will test whether celebrity appeal can translate into electoral success in Tamil Nadu’s competitive political environment.
The tour’s success could determine TVK’s viability as a significant political force in the state.
