Tamil Nadu polls: Don't trust DMK or BJP, they are the same, says actor-politician Vijay

Amid massive crowds, actor-politician Vijay filed his nomination to contest in the Tamil Nadu elections from the Trichy East constituency. Vijay has chosen to make his electoral debut from two seats: Perambur in Chennai and Trichy East. Up against major alliances led by the ruling DMK and Opposition AIADMK, Vijay's TVK party is contesting alone in all 234 seats across the state. In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK leads the NDA, which comprises the BJP, many small parties. DMK leads the Secular Progressive Allaince comprising the Congress, Left parties other outfits.

Before starting his campaign speech, Vijay garlanded a statue of AIADMK founder and actor-politician MG Ramachandran, among the most iconic leaders in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. As Chief Minister, MGR ruled Tamil Nadu for three consecutive terms between 1977 and 1987.

Addressing his fans and supporters, Vijay asked them about the ongoing LPG cylinder shortage, questioning whether bookings were being accepted, whether the issue is being resolved. "Because of the LPG crisis, tea shops and hotels are shut, I know that people are bearing pain and losses. Had they(Union BJP Government) been alert enough, the situation could have been under control. Had the (DMK Government in Tamil Nadu) taken precautions, at least our state would have been better placed. Both BJP and DMK are cause for Gas shortage," Vijay said.

If you ask Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin about the LPG crisis, he will wash his hands off the matter. However, when there is a problem pertaining to his house (family or party), he flies to Delhi to seek a solution. Why don't you fly to Delhi for this, VIjay asked rhetorically.

Lashing out at the DMK's unfulfilled election promises, Vijay asked what had happened to the promised Rs.100 subsidy on LPG cylinders, promises of abolishing NEET Medical Entrance Exam, promises regarding rations, among others. "Whatever he(Stalin) cannot do, he will announace those as promises and cheat people. We(TVK) wont do that, we understand people's needs and work accordingly," Vijay said.

Empahsizing that his party's primary focus would be on education, rations, medical facilities, drinking water, bus transport, roads, among others, Vijay stated that his party would also offer a slew of women-centric welfare mesures. "We will offer 6 LPG cylinders for free, women getting married will get one sovereign gold and a silk saree, Rs.2500 will be provided as an assistance for women heads of a household, women can undertake bus travel anyhwhere across Tamil Nadu at no cost," Vijay outlined his poll promises.

Portraying himself as the victim of political conspiracies by the established political parties, Vijay alleged that they were ganging up against him. He referred to the Karur stampede where 41 people had died at his political rally, and his indefinitely delayed 'Jana Nayagan' film release to cite that he is being targeted. "They are all cheating and looting. Don't trust DMK or BJP, they are all the same. Support TVK and TN will prosper," Vijay said. For several months, Vijay had significantly toned down his criticizm of the BJP, while continuing his relentless attacks on the DMK. His campaign in Trichy shows that Vijay is now attacking both the Central and the State ruling party.