'Entered politics to serve people, not establish monarchy', says Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday said his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had entered politics to serve the people rather than establish a monarchy, as he addressed an election rally in Dharapuram ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypoll. Campaigning for TVK candidate Sathyabama, Vijay accused the opposition DMK of continuing to believe that political power belonged to its leadership and family.

Referring to the 2026 Assembly elections, Vijay said some political opponents appeared unwilling to accept that voters had elected TVK and removed the DMK from power. He maintained that his government was committed to honouring the trust placed in it by the people and delivering an administration free from corruption and bribery.

Vijay highlights welfare initiatives

The Chief Minister outlined several measures undertaken by his government since assuming office, including the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located near schools and places of worship. He also highlighted the provision of free electricity for consumption of up to 200 units and the establishment of a special task force named Singappen to strengthen women's safety, creating 2,546 new posts.

Vijay said anti-drug enforcement units had been established across 37 districts and nine municipal corporations, with 65 teams deployed to combat drug-related activities. He also highlighted his government's decision to increase milk procurement prices by Rs 6 per litre and the introduction of the Thaimaaman Thanga Modhiram scheme from September 28.

Free bus travel scheme from October 2

Announcing upcoming welfare measures, Vijay said the Vettri Payanam scheme, providing free bus travel for women, would be implemented across Tamil Nadu from October 2. He added that the Annapoorani scheme, under which eligible households would receive three free LPG cylinders annually, was scheduled to begin during Pongal.

The Dharapuram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. Sathyabama, who previously represented the constituency on an AIADMK ticket, resigned from the Assembly before joining TVK, necessitating the byelection.