Vijay pitches TVK as an alternative to NDA, INDIA bloc in Puducherry

Positioning the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as an alternative to both the ruling NDA (AINRC-BJP alliance) and the opposition INDIA bloc for the April 9 Assembly elections in the Union Territory, TVK president C. Joseph Vijay said on Saturday (April 4, 2026) that a disunited INDIA bloc and an NDA formed out of compulsions would not be able to work for the welfare of the people of Puducherry.

Addressing a gathering at Kokkupark in Puducherry town, the actor-turned-politician said that both the Congress and the DMK had ruled the Union Territory for a long time in the past, and that the AINRC-BJP government was now in power. He added that both fronts had failed to work for the welfare of the people.

“The constituents of the INDIA bloc are fighting against each other in several places in the Union Territory. There are problems within that front even in Tamil Nadu. While the Congress-DMK alliance in Puducherry is confused and divided, the AINRC and the BJP are together out of compulsion. Some people tried to spread the falsehood that the TVK would join some of these parties for the elections, but we have shown the courage to contest the elections alone,” he said.

Mr. Vijay campaigning from his vehicle in Puducherry
| Photo Credit:
B. Jothi Ramalingam

Promising to stand with disadvantaged sections and minorities, the TVK leader urged electors not to vote for those “claiming to protect the interests of minorities or those working against the community.”

Promises of Statehood

Mr. Vijay said his party would strive to obtain Statehood for Puducherry so that an elected government could function without interference from the Lt. Governor. He added that, if his party secured a majority in the elections, local body elections would be held in the Union Territory within six months of the formation of the government.

The TVK was given permission to hold street-corner meetings at Kokkupark, the Venkatasubba Reddiyar statue, Thavalakuppam, and Koodapakkam. However, as Mr. Vijay’s vehicle crossed the Puducherry border near Kalapet, he got into his campaign vehicle to greet people who had lined up on either side of the ECR in large numbers.

The police had a tough time preventing people from coming close to his vehicle. In certain places along the stretch from Kalapet to Kokkupark, they had to resort to mild caning to disperse youngsters who tried to reach out to Mr. Vijay.