Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay launched a blistering attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies on Monday, 1 June, declaring that Tamil Nadu's voters had decisively rejected caste-based politics and money power in the recent Assembly elections. Speaking at a large Thanksgiving rally in Tiruchirappalli — his first official visit to the city after assuming office — Vijay pledged a corruption-free, bribe-free administration and vowed to govern without discrimination.

Key Declarations at the Trichy Rally

Vijay described himself as the state's 'first sevagan' (servant) and thanked voters of Tiruchirappalli East and across Tamil Nadu for entrusting the TVK with what he called a historic mandate. He asserted that the TVK's electoral debut had surpassed even that of legendary former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in scale, while acknowledging that MGR's political legacy remained unparalleled.

Directly naming DMK president M.K. Stalin as his principal political rival, Vijay declared that the primary contest in Tamil Nadu politics was now between the TVK and the DMK. He alleged that several parties had attempted political manoeuvres in the final stages before the government's formation but were unable to override the people's verdict.

Vijay's Response to the Opposition

Taking aim at critics, Vijay noted that those who had promised to remain silent for six months after the government's formation had failed to hold their tongue even for six days. Rather than treating this as a setback, he welcomed the scrutiny, saying: 'You keep talking, I will keep working.' He argued that sustained Opposition pressure would ultimately keep his administration accountable and performance-driven.

Rejecting allegations of horse-trading, Vijay insisted that political rivals had attempted backdoor methods to seize power but that the TVK government had not engaged in such practices. He also said concrete steps had been taken to curb vote-buying and advance cleaner electoral politics in the state.

Welfare Schemes and Governance Priorities

On the policy front, Vijay highlighted the government's announcement of 200 units of free electricity, noting that the original 100-unit free power scheme had been introduced under former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He said the government had initiated action on TASMAC regulation and implemented agricultural loan waivers to the extent possible.

Expressing concern over rising substance abuse and crimes against women, Vijay announced that the 'Singappen' scheme — aimed at enhancing women's welfare and safety — would be launched next week. He assured farmers that their welfare would remain a key priority of his government.

Development for All 234 Constituencies

Vijay stressed that all 234 Assembly constituencies belonged equally to his government and assured that development would reach every part of Tamil Nadu. He pledged to safeguard the state's rights, protect its river water interests, and uphold social justice — themes that resonate strongly in a state with a long history of inter-state water disputes.

Hinting at the upcoming by-election in Tiruchirappalli East, Vijay indicated that the TVK would likely field a local candidate. He concluded by declaring that no political force could sever his bond with Tamil Nadu's voters, describing it as unbreakable.