Tiruchirappalli, 13 Sept

Actor-politician Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), launched his first state-wide election campaign on Saturday, drawing huge crowds and a festive atmosphere in Tiruchirappalli.

Branded “I am coming”, the tour marks Vijay’s political debut ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections due by March–April 2026. The TVK chief arrived at Tiruchirappalli airport by chartered flight and was greeted by thousands of supporters waving party flags, chanting slogans and breaking barricades to glimpse their leader.

Vijay’s custom-built campaign bus, decorated with portraits of CN Annadurai and MG Ramachandran alongside the slogan “I am coming”, crawled through the city as fans on motorbikes, cars and on foot followed. It took nearly four hours to cover the six-kilometre stretch from the airport to Marakkadai MGR statue point, where his first rally was scheduled.

The scenes caused severe traffic disruption, with frenzied fans climbing trees, poles and flyovers to watch. Police had imposed more than 20 conditions on the rally, but the swelling crowds led to concerns of a stampede at several spots.

Vijay, waving from his vehicle, distributed white shirts and sunglasses to supporters. Women cadres carried traditional poornakumbham pots, cultural troupes performed songs and dances, and some party workers reportedly fainted in the heat while waiting at the venue.

Releasing his campaign logo on Friday, featuring himself with arms outstretched, Vijay invoked the political upsets of 1967 and 1977, when the ruling Congress and DMK governments were toppled. The logo carried the slogan “Unga Vijay Na Varen, Vagai Soodum Varalaru Thirumukirathu” (Your Vijay, I am coming; history of victory returns).

“The tour is to meet the people and to stand with them as one among them,” Vijay said, citing Annadurai’s dictum “Makkalidam Sel” (Go to the people). His maiden rallies will also cover Ariyalur and Perambalur districts later in the day.