Actor, TVK chief Vijay begins mega tour with rally in Tiruchi’s Ariyalur for 2026 Tamil Nadu polls

TVK chief and actor Vijay

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay launched his much-anticipated ‘Meet the People’ state-wide tour, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) first-ever election campaign, from Tiruchi on Saturday, marking a crucial moment in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly polls.

The campaign began with a public rally in Ariyalur, where the TVK president will address supporters after travelling from Tiruchirapalli. According to a report by NDTV, the actor is using a specially-designed bus equipped with advanced cameras, loudspeakers, and fitted with protective iron railings to prevent unauthorised access during his tour.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: TVK chief and actor Vijay to begin his statewide campaign today in Trichy district. Visuals from the city as a huge crowd of his party cadres and supporters gather to welcome him. pic.twitter.com/d2VIhAMklx

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

The TVK has also unveiled its campaign logo, featuring slogans such as "Your Vijay, I Will Not Fail" and "Tamil Nadu, Vijay's Legacy Returns," aiming to highlight his leadership appeal and emphasising TVK’s claim that it would come to power in the Assembly poll.

Tiruchi Police lay down conditions for campaign; deny permission for roadshow

Tiruchi City Police have granted permission for the election campaign under strict conditions. As many as 25 guidelines have been issued, including restrictions on roadshows, receptions, and vehicle convoys.

As per the guidelines, only five vehicles can follow Vijay's campaign bus, all party workers must reach the Ariyalur old bus stand by 11:25 AM, and barricades must be installed by the party itself to ensure public safety.

If any of the conditions are violated, authorities have reserved the right to halt the rally.

According to political observers Tiruchi is symbolically significant, as the city has historically been a stage for key decisions in Dravidian politics.

Marakkadai, Vijay's rally venue, has previously hosted major gatherings by different parties. Few days ago, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami campaigned near the MGR statue in the same locality.

With Vijay stepping into this arena, his supporters believe the Tiruchi launch could become a turning point for Tamil Nadu politics, potentially reshaping the landscape ahead of the 2026 polls.