Chennai, Nov 23 (NationPress) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay made his first appearance at a public forum following the Karur stampede tragedy, addressing a strictly regulated indoor session near Kancheepuram on Sunday. The actor-turned-politician, who had stepped back from public engagements after the tragic event that claimed 41 lives during his Karur rally, delivered a pointed critique of the ruling DMK, while presenting his party’s welfare-centric agenda.

The TVK had intended to kick off Vijay’s campaign from Salem on December 4, having met with the bereaved families from the Karur incident, whom he invited to Mamallapuram for a private condolence meeting.

Nonetheless, citing the Karthika Deepam festival and various logistical issues, police advised a postponement of the Salem rally. In this context, the party organized a fully indoor “People’s Meeting” at a private engineering college in Sunguvarchatram, limiting attendance to 2,000 participants from Kancheepuram district, each equipped with a QR-coded pass.

The party clarified that this gathering was not a public rally, but rather a controlled indoor dialogue.

In his speech, Vijay frequently referenced C.N. Annadurai and MGR, stating that his political journey was fueled by their principles. “Annaiyar was born in this very district. MGR honored him on the party flag due to his vision. But what are those currently in charge of his party doing?” he questioned.

Vijay asserted that the ruling party’s animosity towards TVK would not deter him. “I bear no personal animosity towards anyone. They may harbor hatred for me, but that’s irrelevant. If they ascend to power through deception while pretending to act in the public good, how can we remain silent? We will hold them accountable,” he stated.

The TVK leader symbolically connected to Kancheepuram by recalling his initial field visit to Parandur during the anti-airport protests. “With a heavy heart, I stand today in Anna’s birthplace,” he remarked, emphasizing that entering politics was solely to serve the welfare of all Tamil people.

He criticized the Chief Minister for questioning TVK’s “policy clarity.” “Did we lack a policy when we demanded a caste census? When we opposed the CAA? When we sought to transfer education to the State List? When we called for equal opportunities?” he posed.

Vijay also launched a renewed criticism of alleged extensive sand mining in the Palar River. “Palar is Kancheepuram’s lifeline. Yet, those who profess loyalty to Periyar and Anna have plundered the river. They illicitly extracted 22.7 lakh units of sand worth ₹4,730 crore, as documented in court records and with the Enforcement Directorate,” he asserted.

He shed light on the difficulties faced by handloom weavers, stating their wages remain a mere ₹500 despite Kancheepuram’s international acclaim. The TVK chief noted that the Delta farmers' struggles during recent rains mirrored those of weavers suffering from reduced incomes.

Vijay criticized the administration for its failure to modernize the aging Kancheepuram bus stand. “They claim there’s a court case. But can’t they construct another bus stand elsewhere?” he questioned, calling for a check dam near Avalur lake to meet local water demands.

Reiterating his support for Parandur farmers opposing the proposed airport, he stated, “We will stand with them. The government cannot evade this issue.”

Vijay then outlined key welfare promises that TVK intends to incorporate in its election manifesto: housing for every family, a motorcycle for each household, accessible financial solutions for car purchases, improved public hospitals, and inclusive policymaking involving fishermen, weavers, teachers, and government employees.

“We will ensure stringent law and order and protect women,” he vowed. Concluding on an optimistic note, he declared, “They target us because they recognize TVK is on the rise. When we take power, the people will embrace us.”