Vijay Launches High-Stakes Election Campaign with Emotional Appeal in Chennai
TVK president Vijay officially commenced his election campaign on Monday from Perambur in Chennai, delivering a heartfelt and emotional plea to voters shortly after filing his nomination papers. The nomination affidavit revealed his substantial declared assets totaling approximately Rs 624 crore, marking a significant financial disclosure as he enters the political fray.
Substantial Wealth Declaration and Family Assets
According to the detailed affidavit submitted with his nomination, Vijay's personal movable assets amount to Rs 404 crore. This considerable sum includes cash holdings, various investments, and gold reserves. His declared immovable assets are valued at Rs 220 crore, encompassing both self-acquired and inherited properties located in Chennai and the hill station of Kodaikanal.
The affidavit further disclosed that his wife, Sangeetha, possesses movable assets worth Rs 15 crore alongside immovable properties valued at Rs 25 lakh. Among the listed vehicles in his ownership is a TVS XL Super moped, accompanied by several luxury automobiles, painting a picture of both modest and high-end transportation preferences.
Emotional Campaign Launch and Direct Appeal to Voters
Standing atop his campaign vehicle in Perambur, Vijay made a passionate appeal to the electorate, framing himself as a familial figure. "Give your Vijay — your brother, your son — one chance," he urged the gathered crowd. He emphasized that this election represents an opportunity for the upliftment of an entire generation, stating he had relinquished all personal comfort to serve the people.
"Whatever comfort I had, I have given up everything, to repay you," Vijay declared, adding that his political journey is driven by gratitude and undertaken despite considerable personal pain. He positioned his campaign as a mission of repayment to the citizens who have supported him.
Sharp Criticism of Chief Minister Stalin and DMK Government
Vijay launched a pointed attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the ruling DMK government, focusing on issues of public safety and alleged corruption. He claimed that a perceived rise in criminal activities has created an atmosphere of insecurity, particularly for women and children across the state.
"For five years, Stalin sir was in control of the police department. If basic safety cannot be ensured, what is the purpose of this government and administration?" Vijay questioned during his address. He accused the Chief Minister of neglecting public welfare and safety concerns.
Further intensifying his critique, Vijay alleged that the DMK's primary focus during its tenure has been on familial enrichment through corrupt practices. He specifically cited purported irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) and the cash-for-job scam associated with the municipal administration department as evidence of systemic corruption under the current administration.
Campaign Schedule Adjustments and Security Concerns
Following his launch event in Perambur, Vijay proceeded to campaign in the Kolathur area. However, a scheduled campaign stop in Villivakkam was unexpectedly cancelled. The TVK president cited inadequate police deployment and insufficient security arrangements as the reason for cancelling the Villivakkam event, highlighting concerns about the logistical support for his campaign activities.
The campaign launch sets the stage for a contentious electoral battle in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay positioning himself as a candidate of substantial personal means who has sacrificed comfort for public service, while directly challenging the incumbent government's record on governance and integrity.
