Vijay attacks DMK as 'evil force' in fiery TVK rally in Erode

In a scathing attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay on Thursday (December 18), labelled the DMK as a Theeya Sakthi (evil force), while positioning his party as the Thooya sakthi (pure force).

Speaking at a massive public rally in Erode district, Vijay accused the DMK of misusing the names of Dravidian icons like Periyar, Annadurai to indulge in corruption and looting. "Don't loot in the name of Periyar's principles," Vijay thundered, alleging that the DMK invokes Periyar only to "commit robbery".

The actor-turned-politician claimed the ruling party's sole focus is not public welfare but figuring out ways to "cripple Vijay and TVK". DMK is keen only on targeting me, creating hurdles for TVK, alleged party chief Vijay.

MGR, Periyar and Anna politics

Further, Vijay asserted that they have accepted MGR, Periyar, and Anna as their policy leaders. "No one can say we cannot claim Anna and MGR," he stressed. He added that both Anna and MGR belong to Tamil Nadu's heritage, and "no one should complain about us drawing from their political experiences."

Also read: TVK declares Vijay as CM candidate, authorises him to decide on alliance

Dismissing criticism from the DMK about TVK's growing strength, Vijay said, "If TVK is nothing, why are you panicking? The people are watching everything closely."

He contrasted his party with the DMK, stating, "Your ally is the money you've looted; our strength is the affection of the masses." On political rivals, Vijay clarified that TVK would only oppose parties "in the field" for the 2026 Assembly elections.

"We won't waste time opposing those who are not in the contest. We have a lot of work to do," he said, in an apparent dig at BJP and other smaller outfits.

Attacking the DMK, Vijay accused the DMK of being inseparable from problems. They are "like glued with Fevicol" with problems he said, pointing out that they had failed to keep their promises like river interlinking projects (Bhavani-Noyyal-Amaravati) and cleaning rivers, while allegedly allowing rampant sand mining.

'Not against subsidies'

Defending welfare schemes, he said, "I'm not against subsidies, but I condemn belittling people's money as 'freebies'. We are not the DMK to cook vada in the mouth."

Echoing MGR and Jayalalithaa's style, Vijay repeatedly called the DMK an "evil force," drawing roars from the crowd, and declared the 2026 election a battle between "evil forces (DMK) and pure forces (TVK)." In a boost for TVK, Vijay announced that like former AIADMK minister KA Sengottaiyan several others will also be joining the party.

No vulgar politics

"Like Sengottaiyan, many more will join us, and we will give them due recognition," he said, adding that more such leaders will strengthen TVK.

Vijay rejected low-level politics, saying, "If politics means vulgar and degrading talk, it's not for us. If power comes, it will come well; we've deliberately avoided shortcuts."

Further, he assured supporters, "When people face a problem, Vijay will be there," and vowed not to demean genuine welfare for the masses.

The rally, attended by thousands, marks Vijay's continued aggressive campaign against the DMK, positioning TVK as the main challenger in the 2026 polls. "Our enemies are those looting in Periyar's name, we will oppose only them," he concluded amid cheers. The people, Vijay said, are the ultimate judges.

TVK's Erode rally

TVK's Erode rally comes at the behest of Sengottaiyan, who recently joined the TVK after he rebelled with the AIADMK leadership.

The rally will be the first for the TVK in western Tamil Nadu; after Vijay’s campaign rally in Namakkal and Karur. Sengottaiyan told the media, “We have made all arrangements adhering to the conditions issued by the police. There are no QR codes or passes given to those who will come to watch our leader Vijay speak."