Vijay to contest 2 seats, calls Tamil Nadu polls direct fight between TVK and DMK

In his maiden electoral foray, actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Sunday announced he will contest from two constituencies in the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, while unveiling a comprehensive list of candidates across the state.

He said “C. Joseph Vijay” will be in the fray from Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East. Polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies is scheduled for April 23.

Core team gets key seats

Addressing party workers, Vijay introduced candidates largely drawn from his core team, placing trusted leaders in key constituencies.

The list includes N. Anand (T Nagar), Venkat Raman (Mylapore), Aadhav Arjuna (Villivakkam), K.A. Sengkottaiyan (Gobichettipalayam), K.G. Arunraj (Tiruchengode) and C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar (Tirupparankundram). Other names include J.C.D. Prabhakar (Thousand Lights), V.S. Babu (Kolathur) and Dr Maria Wilson (R.K. Nagar).

“I have selected those who will respond to your queries,” Vijay said, urging supporters to give his party “one chance.”

‘People’s alliance’ vs DMK bloc

Positioning the election as a direct contest, Vijay said the fight is between his party and the alliance led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

He criticised the ruling bloc, calling it a “patch-up,” and emphasised that his candidates come from ordinary backgrounds and understand public concerns.

Youth focus and economic promises

Vijay also announced a series of “guarantees” targeting youth and job seekers. These include ₹4,000 per month for unemployed individuals above 29 years and ₹2,500 for diploma holders.

The party proposed collateral-free loan guarantees of up to ₹20 lakh for students from Class 12 to PhD level. It also outlined a Tamil Employment Credit System, offering incentives to companies employing 75% local workforce, including SGST concessions and electricity bill reductions.

Clean governance pitch

Making a direct appeal, Vijay promised corruption-free governance, women’s safety, a drug-free state and strict law and order.

“We will never act against the interests of the people. Give us one opportunity,” he said, urging voters to back TVK’s whistle symbol.

With a full candidate slate, welfare promises and a sharp political pitch, Vijay’s electoral debut is set to intensify the contest in Tamil Nadu ahead of the April 23 polls.