The second state-level conference of actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has once again proved that it is no different from the DMK, including the behaviour of its cadres. Critics say, “The conference adopted resolutions that are nothing new, already rehearsed, and some even copied from NTK chief Seeman.”
Before Joseph Vijay rose to speak, much of the crowd many accompanied by children aged between one and twelve remained unfazed by the scorching sun. The actor-politician turned his speech towards attacking DMK Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, referring to him as “Uncle Stalin”, and accused him of misgovernance, corruption, and false poll promises. He declared that the 2026 election would be a straight contest between the DMK and TVK.
Invoking MGR and Vijaykanth as his inspirations, he delivered his trademark cine-style punch dialogues. Vijay said, “We all admire Puratchi Thalaivar MGR, whether in cinema or politics. Though I never had the chance to work with him, I did work with someone who shared his qualities, Captain Vijaykanth, who hailed from this Madurai soil. How can I ever forget him? I am confident that TVK will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Assembly elections in 2026.”
He hinted at forming an alliance before the polls and sharing power with allies after. The actor said, “They ask whether it is possible to seize power. Vijay’s group is one that will hunt down anti-people rulers in the upcoming elections and pave the way for Fort St. George.”
During his 35-minute-long speech, Vijay described the BJP as an ideological enemy and the DMK as a political enemy. He said, “The Centre’s plans will not bear fruit in this secular land. The BJP cannot win in this state with any alliance. Water and lotus will not mingle, just as the people of Tamil Nadu will not choose the BJP. They will remain afloat.”
Among the resolutions passed, one condemned the recent caste killing of a Dalit youth in Tirunelveli, urging the Tamil Nadu government to legislate against such atrocities. It read: “Tamil Nadu, once a moral compass for social justice, now hangs its head in shame. Even the High Court has expressed concern over the rise in caste killings. The government’s refusal to enact a separate law despite having the authority is unacceptable. TVK demands immediate legislation to protect all communities and prevent such killings.”
Another resolution highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, citing rising crimes including custodial deaths and police excesses. It opposed the proposed Parandur airport project, arguing it would affect farmers’ fertile lands, 13 water bodies, and Chennai–Kancheepuram’s flood protection system. TVK also flagged large-scale deletions in electoral rolls, particularly in Bihar, warning of a possible repeat in Tamil Nadu.
In one of his punchlines, Vijay declared, “A lion comes to the ground only to hunt, not to pass time. Even if it is alone, it remains king of the jungle. This is not just a description but a declaration.” This was seen as a counter to critics who claim he rarely steps out of his Panaiyur residence and remains inaccessible after 7 pm.
Coming down heavily on the DMK, Vijay said, “Whenever ED raids take place, they rush to Delhi, and soon the raids fade away. Stalin uncle, what uncle? It is very wrong, uncle!” He reiterated his opposition to NEET, insisting it must be scrapped.
Taking aim at Prime Minister Modi by his full name, the actor who has long avoided his original name Joseph asked whether Modi’s third term was meant to serve people or to conspire against Muslims. Vijay said, “Honourable PM Narendra Modiji, you are holding the reins for the third time. Did you come to power to help the people of this country or to conspire against our Muslim brothers and friends? Our people have many questions, and on their behalf, I ask you about our Tamil Nadu fishermen. Around 800 of them have been killed by the Sri Lankan Navy. Why are you not condemning this strongly? Do one small thing, retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka so our fishermen are safe.”
Critics argue that Vijay conveniently forgets it was the DMK that ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. The 800 fishermen deaths he referred to occurred over four decades when the DMK and AIADMK held power in Tamil Nadu and the Congress ruled at the Centre. Since Modi took office, fishermen deaths have reduced drastically.
The actor accused the BJP of “hiding facts” about the Keeladi excavations and “depending on alliance partners without real people’s power” to extend its rule beyond 2029. He also attacked the RSS and claimed that both the BJP and DMK had a backdoor understanding for mutual benefit.
Political observers believe Joseph Vijay is merely a repackaged version of Kamal Haasan, who too entered politics carrying cine baggage to sway fans into voters. They strongly argue that TVK is nothing more than another proxy of the Dravidian ecosystem, desperate to retain voters who are becoming increasingly conscious of their electoral choices. Today, Kamal Haasan sits in Parliament as a representative of the DMK, strengthening the suspicion that Joseph Vijay too may eventually end up in a similar position with the DMK after the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.
