Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder, Vijay, continued his statewide political tour on Saturday, September 20, 2025. During this second leg, he publicly questioned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s assertions about attracting investments through international trips, provocatively asking if these visits were for state development or ‘to secure personal investments abroad.’
Vijay also criticized both the BJP and the DMK regarding their handling of issues affecting the state’s fishing community. He accused the BJP of practicing ‘politics of exclusion’ by differentiating Tamil Nadu fishermen from others, who are simply labeled ‘Indian.’ Furthermore, he alleged that Chief Minister Stalin merely sends letters concerning fishermen’s problems without implementing any tangible solutions.
TVK chief Vijay addresses cadres and fans at the Puthur roundabout near the Anna Statue in Nagapattinam on Saturday
Campaign Restrictions Faced
Speaking to a large crowd at the Puthur roundabout near the Anna Statue in Nagapattinam, Vijay directly challenged the Chief Minister, accusing him of indirectly attempting to undermine his campaign through severe restrictions. He detailed these hindrances, stating, ‘We are told how to sit inside the bus, how high to raise our hands, and are allotted congested spaces instead of open grounds.’
He then directly addressed the Chief Minister, asking, ‘Are you threatening me, Chief Minister sir?’ Vijay asserted that he would not be intimidated, challenging Stalin to ‘face me directly in the elections’ instead of acting as a ‘bogeyman.’ He also expressed regret to the residents of Perambalur district, explaining that he was unable to meet them the previous week due to similar ‘restrictions.’
Mr. Vijay at Puthur
Recalling incidents from his initial campaign week, Vijay highlighted a suspicious cut in his speaker wire in Tiruchi and a power outage in Ariyalur just before his appearance. He questioned whether such disruptions would be directed at figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi or an RSS leader, implying a ‘hidden relationship’ between the DMK and BJP.
Vijay explained his preference for weekend campaigns to minimize public inconvenience. He expressed his satisfaction at launching this phase of his tour in Nagapattinam, a district he described as a symbol of the working class, encompassing vibrant fisheries and farming communities, and embodying a multicultural and secular spirit.
Supporters gather at Puthur ahead of Mr. Vijay’s visit
He clarified that his foray into politics was not recent, noting his consistent advocacy for fishermen since 2011 and his support for the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils. Vijay then blamed the DMK government for Nagapattinam’s stagnation, pointing out issues such as chronic drinking water scarcity, the absence of a crucial fish processing center, a dilapidated bus stand, staff shortages in the maternity ward at Nagore Andavar Government Hospital, and inadequate storage leading to paddy being exposed at direct purchase centers. He further called for the regulation of prawn farms to safeguard traditional fisherfolk and criticized the government’s inaction in developing Velankanni and Nagore into significant tourist attractions.
Earlier in the day, Vijay arrived at Tiruchi airport at 9:30 a.m., then traveled by private vehicle to Tiruvarur before boarding his campaign van. Despite police permission to speak between 12:35 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., his address was delayed due to unexpected changes in the approved route. He ultimately spoke to the gathering from 1:32 p.m. to 1:52 p.m.
Following his speech in Nagapattinam, Vijay continued his tour to Tiruvarur district.