Describing his bond with the people of Tamil Nadu as “flesh and blood,” Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Monday claimed that all parties seem to be united against him in the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Vellore, he called the polls “a battle against corruption” and urged politicians to account for their assets before and after entering politics.

Vijay highlighted governance issues, pointing to inadequate bus services, hospitals, and other basic facilities in several hill villages. Criticizing the DMK government’s “Be Safe Model,” he claimed women feel unsafe and promised that under his party, law and order would be strengthened, ensuring safety for all citizens.

He mocked the DMK administration as a “fake model” and “stand-up comedy” government. Drawing parallels to former Assam CM DK Baroah’s remark “India is Indira, Indira is India,” Vijay said, “Tamil Nadu is Vijay, Vijay is Tamil Nadu,” framing the election as a direct contest between TVK and DMK.

The actor-turned-politician urged people to vote for TVK’s “whistle” symbol, accused CM MK Stalin of making false promises, and vowed to personally meet citizens across the state if elected. He described the election as a historic moment, emphasizing it is “with the Tamil Nadu people and against the DMK government.” The elections are scheduled in the first half of this year, with the main contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Vijay, who recently retired from acting, is making his political debut with TVK.