Actor-turned-politician Vijay on Tuesday issued a note thanking Tamil Nadu voters for placing their trust in his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), and expressed his lifelong gratitude to the people of the state.
In a historic upset, the TVK defeated the incumbent DMK and emerged as the single-largest party, winning 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. The victory marked the first time since 1967 that a party outside the DMK–AIADMK duopoly is in a position to form a government.
‘MANDATE REFLECTS CHANGE’
Vijay said the win was not just for the TVK, but also a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s mature democracy. He added that the mandate was shaped not by power or money, but by people who stood by the idea of change despite widespread ridicule.
“From the very beginning of our party, there have been more people who mocked and ridiculed us than those who supported us,” Vijay said, acknowledging the scepticism that surrounded his political debut. “We accepted that as a natural part of politics and moved forward placing our trust solely in the people.”
In a sharp swipe at entrenched practices, the TVK chief added, “That is why the culture of money-driven politics, which had long threatened Tamil Nadu, has now been buried deep.”
Vijay also spoke about the criticism his party faced during its rise. “In the name of neutrality and criticism, we were often met with disguised insults and defamation,” he said, before crediting voters for standing firm. “The people of Tamil Nadu have always held us with motherly affection.”
‘A TURNING POINT FOR TAMIL NADU’
Highlighting an unusual factor behind the result, he pointed to the role of younger voters within families. “One of the most profound reasons behind this extraordinary election has been the young children who guided their families with deep affection and conviction,” he said.
Calling the outcome a turning point, Vijay asserted that TVK had established itself as a central force in the state’s political future. “It has been firmly and powerfully established that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is the primary force for transformative change,” he said, adding that “anyone with a fair and honest perspective will accept this truth.”
Closing his message, Vijay thanked supporters and party workers while also reaching out to those who did not vote for him. “To my beloved people of Tamil Nadu I offer my lifelong gratitude,” he said. “Even to those who may have missed voting for us in this election but will come to love us more in the future, I extend my affection.”
VIJAY RESPONDS TO PM MODI, SIGNALS COOPERATION
Soon after the results, PM Narendra Modi congratulated the party and voters in Tamil Nadu in a post on X.
“Gratitude to the voters of Tamil Nadu who supported the NDA in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. We will always remain at the forefront in addressing people’s issues and improving their lives. Congratulations to TVK on their impressive performance. The Centre will leave no stone unturned in furthering the progress of Tamil Nadu and the well-being of their people,” Modi wrote.
Responding to PM Modi’s message on ‘X’, Vijay signalled a cooperative approach with the Centre. “Thank you, PM Modi for your greetings. The well-being of our people remains our only goal. Transcending politics, we shall focus on the state’s progress and the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. We look forward to the Union Government’s support in this endeavour,” he said.
– Ends