TVK conference HIGHLIGHTS | Vijay declares war against BJP, DMK at party's first public meet

Schemes should actually benefit people: Vijay

Just by saying there is rice, people's hunger won't end, we have to give them rice, says Vijay; "We don't agree with those who say we have to teach people to fish and not just give them the fish; if people can fish, then let it be, for those who can't, we will feed them," he says.

Till our goal is reached, we will burn like fire: Vijay

"We should work in such a way that we should be known to be wise...At any cost, no compromise in our political battle...till our goal is reached, we will burn like fire. What can we achieve by accumulating wealth? How can we give it back to the people who gave us everything? The answer to that was politics. Now we have entered. Now no scope for rethinking. We shouldn't limit ourselves to giving speeches about ourselves; we should prove who we are by actions. We will know our rivals soon; they announced themselves when we made our decision to float the party," Vijay said.

Periyar, Kamaraj, Ambedkar are our guiding spirits: Vijay

"Our guiding spirits are the ones who lived in this land. They are Periyar - there will be some who will question that choice. We won't adopt his atheism, we aren't against anyone's beliefs. But social justice, rationalism, women empowerment, we will adopt all other ideas that Periyar propounded. Then K Kamaraj, then BR Ambedkar. We are proudly proclaiming Ambedkar as a guiding spirit for reservation and for striving to end caste discrimination. Then braveheart Velu Nachiyar. Then comes Anjalai Ammal," Vijay said.

'Even politics has to change...'

Vijay said he won't give long speeches to rouse people like typical politicians, stating that he has learnt to speak in a crisp manner instead.

"Not just science and technology, even politics has to change and evolve. The only thing that doesn't change is suffering," he said.

"What is the problem? What is the solution for it? What is required, and how can it be done? We have to speak like this... in a short, sweet and clear way. That's what we need to do... that is our duty to the people," Vijay stressed.

I may be a child in politics but will play with seriousness and a smile, quips Vijay

If a child sees a snake, it will smile at it, the same way it smiles at its parents, and continue playing. Does it mean the child is not scared?...That snake is politics... others have commented that I am a child in politics, that I am not serious. But whether it is a snake or politics, I will play on the battlefield with full seriousness and a little humour: Vijay

Actor-TVK chief Vijay has begun his speech.

TVK conference: Vijay greets fans, party supporters with gusto

Actor-TVK chief Vijay enthusiastically ran across a ramp leading from the stage to greet excited fans and party workers at the first conference of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Vikravandi.

TVK functionary Catherine Pandian in her speech emphasised on farmers rights, illegal sand mining and gender equality amongst other issues.

TVK functionaries Sampath Kumar and Catherine Pandian speak about the party's aims and principles:

- Drug-Free Initiative: The party aims to eradicate drugs and create a drug-free Tamil Nadu

- Equality for All: TVK will advocate for the rights and equality of women, transgender individuals, and marginalized communities

- Social Justice: The party will emphasise the importance of social justice, with no bias towards any specific religion

- Defending Democracy: TVK will challenge both the State and Union governments to uphold democratic values

- Combating Untouchability: The party declares caste-based untouchability a crime and will work to eliminate it

- Governor Position Removal: TVK will demand the abolition of the role of governor in the state

- Educational Expansion: TVK plans to establish technological universities to enhance educational opportunities

- Bilingual Commitment: TVK will conduct its activities in both Tamil and English to reach a broader audience

- Handloom Initiative: Government employees will be encouraged to wear handloom clothing twice a week to promote traditional crafts

- Abolishing Mining Mafia: New laws will be enacted to dismantle illegal sand and mining mafias

- Wildlife Protection: Additional measures will be implemented to safeguard endangered species and expand their natural habitats

A musical video featuring Vijay speaking about his party's values is being played at the conference. In it appear visuals of late stalwarts Periyar, K Kamaraj, and BR Ambedkar.