In his maiden electoral venture, actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay on Sunday announced he will contest from two constituencies in the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, as he unveiled a detailed list of candidates across the state.
He said “it will be C Joseph Vijay” contesting from Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappally East. Polling for all 234 Assembly segments is scheduled for April 23.
Addressing party functionaries, Vijay introduced candidates drawn largely from his core team, placing trusted leaders in key constituencies.
The list includes N Anand from T Nagar, Venkat Raman from Mylapore, Aadhav Arjuna from Villivakkam, KA Sengkottaiyan from Gobichettipalayam, KG Arunraj from Tiruchengode and CTR Nirmal Kumar from Tirupparankundram.
Other candidates named were JCD Prabhakar from Thousand Lights, VS Babu from Kolathur and Dr Maria Wilson from RK Nagar.
“I have selected those who will respond to your queries,” Vijay said. “Just like how I left everything for you, I am giving these candidates to you. Please give us one chance.”
Positioning the contest as a direct fight, Vijay said, “It is only between us and Stalin sir alliance,” referring to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led by Chief Minister MK Stalin.
He criticised the alliance, calling it a “patch-up”, and said his candidates were chosen for their integrity and connection with ordinary people. “Our candidates come from ordinary backgrounds they understand the struggles of the common man,” he said.
Vijay unveiled a set of “guarantees” aimed at young voters and job seekers.
The party promised Rs 4,000 per month for those above 29 years unable to secure employment, and Rs 2,500 for diploma holders. It also proposed collateral-free loan guarantees of up to Rs 20 lakh from Class 12 to PhD level.
A Tamil Employment Credit System was also announced, offering incentives to private companies employing 75 per cent local workforce, including a 2.5 per cent SGST discount and a 5 per cent cut in electricity bills.
Making a direct appeal to voters, Vijay said, “We will never misuse public money or indulge in corruption. We will ensure women’s safety, create a drug-free Tamil Nadu and maintain strict law and order.”
“I assure you, we will never act against the interests of the people. This is my promise. Give us one opportunity,” he said, urging voters to support TVK’s whistle symbol.
“Candidate is not different, Vijay is not different,” he added, reinforcing his message of shared accountability.
With a full candidate list, welfare promises and a sharp political pitch, Vijay’s debut in electoral politics is set to intensify the battle in Tamil Nadu ahead of April 23.
Source: India Today