Trichy (Tamil Nadu), Feb 9 Actor-politician Vijay, leading the TVK, said on Monday that a silent revolution has begun in Tamil Nadu, and criticized the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK for failing to fulfill their prior commitments.
The TVK held a regional public consultation here to discuss its election manifesto.
Later, addressing reporters, leader of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), Arun Raj, said the manifesto would not be used to deceive voters.
"We can see a silent revolution taking place in Tamil Nadu. This revolution means a Vijay for every household and a TVK volunteer for every street," Raj said, highlighting the party's grassroots engagement.
"People have told us that they submitted petitions in 2014 and 2021, but these remain unfulfilled despite being included in the election manifestos. They are now approaching our leader with a firm resolve, saying only you can do this," he said.
Raj highlighted the public's concerns regarding basic needs such as drinking water, sewage facilities, and quality medical and educational infrastructure, which remain unaddressed in many regions.
He specifically mentioned a regional demand to make Trichy the second capital of Tamil Nadu to promote industrial growth.
On the issue of liquor, he said that there were widespread demands for prohibition.
"Many women and organizations have requested a reduction in the number of liquor shops and their operating hours. The committee will consolidate these views for a final decision by our leader," he added.
The party also accused the ruling DMK of "undemocratic suppression" by using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to restrict TVK's public meetings.
"How does the DMK get permission for a massive conference in Erode in a day, while we are told that for a crowd of over 50,000, we must apply 30 days in advance? This shows that the DMK is scared and trying to prevent our leader from meeting the people," Raj alleged.
Reiterating that TVK was not founded on relying on alliances, Raj quoted Vijay’s previous stance: "Whether friendly forces join or not, TVK has the strength and public support to contest alone and form a government."
He added that any final decision on coalitions or Vijay's specific constituency would be announced by the leader at the appropriate time.
Responding to corruption allegations from Edappadi K Palaniswami, he said, "The AIADMK chief has been a chief minister. He should first know what corruption is. Until now, our leader has never held a government post, so on what basis can he call it corruption?"
Palaniswami had leveled a corruption charge against Vijay following a Madras High Court ruling.
The AIADMK chief cited the court verdict as evidence that Vijay is "corrupt," questioning how someone with such a record could promise "clean governance."
Recently, the Madras High Court dismissed a plea filed by TVK founder and actor Vijay challenging the Rs 1.5 crore penalty imposed on him by the Income Tax Department for undisclosed income of Rs 15 crore in the financial year 2015-16.
Raj clarified that the party is following legal procedures in the I-T issue and has the option to appeal.