Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Feb 23 (NationPress) Stating that the forthcoming Assembly elections will be a “direct showdown between Vijay and (M.K.) Stalin”, Vijay ramped up his criticism against Chief Minister Stalin, emphasizing that the key issue in Tamil Nadu is not influenced by Delhi politics but revolves around corruption and governance within the state.

While addressing party members and mid-tier leaders during a private meeting in Kollamangalam, Vellore district, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief asserted: “This election represents a battle between Vijay and Stalin. It’s a fight between the citizens of Tamil Nadu against corruption, against bribery, and against the DMK administration.”

“Our vote is our right. No one can purchase it. Our vote is for the whistle symbol. We will not back down, nor will we be misled again.”

To illustrate his point, Vijay likened Tamil Nadu’s political climate to an uncontrollable Jallikattu bull positioned in a bustling field, fierce and daunting.

As seasoned handlers faltered, a young boy calmly approached with fodder in his pocket and tamed the bull by recognizing its hunger.

“In this narrative, the bull signifies Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The boy symbolizes not just me — it embodies all of us. When the populace yearns for change, they require solutions, not intimidation,” he stated.

Vijay criticized the ruling DMK for failing to fulfill promises, such as implementing monthly electricity billing.

“People were assured of monthly bills. Has that occurred? Paying every two months is a burden. Can this be termed modern corruption?” he questioned.

He also raised alarms regarding law enforcement, women’s safety, insufficient bus services in hilly regions, and the scarcity of medical facilities, which has compelled some women to consider home births.

“In our administration, the safety of girls and boys will be prioritized. Government schools will meet private standards. We will guarantee clean toilets for girls, aim for a drug-free Tamil Nadu, and set up a welfare board for unorganized laborers,” he promised.

Criticizing what he labeled as opportunistic alliances, Vijay remarked: “Victory cannot be achieved with stolen wealth or unstable coalitions. This is a whistle-stop election. Stay assured — triumph is inevitable.”

He further urged political figures to reveal their assets before and after entering politics and questioned Stalin on previous comments referring to him as a “friend.”

“If I am your friend, why bring my name into controversies?” he inquired.

Vijay proclaimed that this election would be unprecedented, unlike any in the past fifty years. “Everyone opposes me because I stand against corruption. But this time, every polling booth must transform into a victory booth,” he declared, encouraging supporters to rally voters behind the party’s whistle symbol.

The meeting was limited to 4,900 attendees who possessed QR-coded entry passes.

Due to safety considerations, TVK General Secretary N. Anand requested that pregnant women, children, students, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities refrain from attending.

A temporary roof structure was constructed at the venue following a recent incident in Salem, where a participant reportedly fainted during a public gathering.