Tiruchirappalli, 13 Sept

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's address from atop his campaign vehicle here on Saturday was marred by audio issues, and out of his 20-minute speech, barely one to two minutes were audible and clear.

Cadres, fans and the people who had gathered in thousands chanted 'Vijay, Vijay' as his speech became almost incomprehensible, barring some remarks, words and points.

"Will you vote for the DMK? he asked after raising a number of questions seeking to push the Chief Minister MK Stalin-led government to a tight corner.

One of his key accusations was that the DMK government did not fulfil its assurances made ahead of the 2021 Assembly election. He also hit out at the DMK regime over the illegal kidney sale racket.

When Vijay began his speech at 3pm, he outlined the significance of choosing Tiruchirappalli for his maiden rally.

He said that it was here that Dravidian icon, DMK founder CN Annadurai, decided in 1956 to enter the electoral race.

It was here that AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran held his first state conference in 1974 after launching his party in 1972.

Tiruchirappalli was also renowned for communal harmony, and the rationalist leader 'Periyar' EV Ramasamy lived here.

During the days of yore, before going to the battlefield, kings used to pray to their family deities. Similarly, Vijay said he has visited Tiruchirappalli.

Any political initiative, when started in Tiruchirappalli, would eventually become a turning point, he said.

Meanwhile, the party acknowledged that the technical glitch led to audio issues. TVK said that the issue had been addressed and that the chief's speech could be heard clearly thereafter.

Clad in a white shirt, Vijay delivered his address from a raised platform-like structure on the top of the campaign bus, and cadres continuously flung party flags at him.