Vijay Slams DMK Over Welfare Payouts, Says ‘Cash for Votes Must End’

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Friday mounted a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), criticising its welfare outreach to women as an attempt to influence voters through financial inducements.

His remarks came in response to Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announcing that ₹3,000 had been credited in advance to women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, along with an additional ₹2,000 described as a “summer special package.” According to the Chief Minister, a total of ₹5,000 was deposited into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women across the state. He further pledged that, under a proposed “Dravidian Model 2.0,” the existing monthly assistance of ₹1,000 would be doubled to ₹2,000 if the DMK is returned to power.

Addressing an election rally in Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem district, Vijay called upon young voters to reject monetary inducements during elections.

“Cash for votes should come to an end. My vote is my right. Nobody can buy our votes. We will not get carried away,” he declared, positioning TVK as a political alternative committed to what he described as clean and principled governance.

‘Courage Is the Foundation’

Framing his campaign around resilience and determination, Vijay told supporters that courage forms the foundation of all meaningful change.

“Courage is the base for everything. It begins when we are underestimated. There comes a point when we need to prove ourselves to the critics,” he said.

Responding to detractors who had questioned his political seriousness, Vijay asserted that his commitment extended across the state. “Some ask me to come out and face the people. Do you know where my house is? My house is the whole of Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding, “More than eight crore people live in my house. I will stand by every one of them.”

He further stated that his entry into politics was driven not by electoral ambition but by a sense of responsibility. “Your Vijay has not come to seek votes but to seek justice,” he said.

Questions on Governance and Law & Order

Vijay characterised the upcoming electoral contest as a direct battle between the DMK and TVK, alleging that the ruling party had failed to deliver on its manifesto promises.

“The government claims it has fulfilled its commitments, but there have been lies after lies,” he charged.

Raising concerns over law and order, he questioned the state’s handling of crimes against women and administrative vacancies. “If women’s safety is assured, why are crimes against women increasing? Why does the state not have a Director General of Police? The post remains vacant,” he said.

He also pointed to ongoing protests by farmers, fishermen and medical professionals, arguing that such unrest contradicted claims of public satisfaction. Additionally, he cited unresolved issues relating to water management, infrastructure and healthcare services.

Political Debut and Challenge to Rivals

Clarifying his political intentions, Vijay stated that his foray into politics was not aimed at targeting any particular party but at serving the people of Tamil Nadu.

In a pointed remark directed at established political forces, he questioned their claims of experience. “They speak of experience. What experience do they have other than looting money? I challenge anyone to start a new party from scratch and seek the people’s mandate,” he said.

He also expressed solidarity with students affected by cancelled TNMSC examinations, urging them to remain resilient and assuring that his party would work towards securing a fair and stable future for them.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is scheduled to go to polls in the first half of the year, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest.