Salem (Tamil Nadu), February 13 – TVK chief Vijay stated on Friday that his offer to share power with allies has become a "political bombshell" in Tamil Nadu, as it has become a demand in all alliances, and has "alarmed" DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has refused to share power with the Congress.
Vijay, addressing a rally in Seelanaickenpatti, assured a government focused on social justice if elected, and sharply criticized those who had mocked him for staying at home while claiming to be involved in politics.
He asked if critics understood that his "home" was Tamil Nadu, where eight crore people lived, and that they were his family.
"My goal is to stand with the people as the first soldier and protector of Tamil Nadu," he declared.
He stated that his entry into politics was shaking the established political landscape of the state, saying, "Do you remember my offer to share power at the Vikravandi rally? Now, it is exploding recklessly in all alliances. Chief Minister Stalin says that power sharing is not suitable for Tamil Nadu."
For the DMK, the alliance is solely for winning elections, and for other matters, such as governance, they will handle it themselves.
Interestingly, when Vijay referred to "other things," he made a gesture that clearly implied money, targeting the DMK.
He criticized the alleged non-starter alliance arithmetic and the old tactics used by rivals to win votes, arguing that none of it would work. He asserted that dreams of buying votes through money would not be realized now that he was in politics.
"They will offer you loads of money, and they will ask you for favors in the name of God. This has been their way of deceiving people for many years. Take it happily, as it is your money. Take it and blow the whistle (TVK symbol) in their ears, and send them away," he said.
He appealed to the people for "justice," alleging that the DMK regime was undermining his party's rallies through "Stalin Sir's Operating Procedures." He stated that while permission was granted for other political parties to hold events, it was not given to TVK.
"What wrong did I do? I came to politics to serve the people who love me," he asked. "Who is conspiring against us? Who is plotting against us? Who is blaming us? You all know very well," he said, targeting the ruling DMK regime.
Addressing the younger generation, he said that the practice of buying votes with money must end.
"If they deceive you with money, will you be deceived?" he asked young people to repeat after him, "Our vote, our right, and no one can buy us. Our vote is for the whistle symbol."
He also requested young people and children to continue persuading their parents to vote for his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
He further stated that all the money hoarded would be wasted and would have to be thrown away, as people had been made aware of the practice of using money to buy votes. "The people will also throw your corrupt rule in the dustbin," he added.
He also blamed the DMK regime for issues related to women's safety and crimes against women and children, citing the alleged prevalence of drugs and violence, and specifically mentioning the recent attack on a man reportedly from Odisha. "If law and order were good, why would all this happen?" he asked.
He stated that Tamil Nadu needs a DGP to restore law and order. "Where is he? First, appoint a DGP for Tamil Nadu," he said. Fulfilling the basic needs of the people will be TVK's first priority. He reiterated that the election is a fight between TVK and the DMK.
"Wait, the election manifesto is being prepared. I will never disappoint you who believe in me. I will never make promises just for the sake of coming to power, I will never make promises that are not practically possible," he said.
Similarly, even after coming to power, he was ready to fight for the people and would not blame anyone for not doing so.
It is worth noting that the DMK has often blamed the BJP-led Centre for not releasing funds to the state, and Vijay has indirectly targeted the DMK.
Vijay was presented with a "Vetrivel" (spear) by functionaries, amidst chants of "Vetrivel, Veeravel," an ancient Tamil war cry hailing Lord Muruga's weapon of spear, symbolizing strength and protection.
He was also given a whip, reminiscent of MGR, to target corrupt forces, and presented with a victorious twin "Sengol" by party office-bearers, a traditional symbol of power.
