Actor-turned-politician Vijay, making his electoral debut, has unveiled the first election manifesto for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. The manifesto, released on Thursday, April 16, 2026, outlines a comprehensive vision combining extensive welfare schemes, job creation initiatives, and significant governance reforms, positioning TVK as a direct contender against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Extensive Welfare for Women and Families
A cornerstone of the TVK manifesto is its focus on women and families. The party has pledged a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for women under 60 years of age. For marriages, brides would receive 8 grams of gold along with a silk saree. Furthermore, each household is promised six free LPG cylinders annually. Women-run self-help groups are set to benefit from interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh, aiming to boost local entrepreneurship.
Education and Employment Initiatives
Education features prominently, with a commitment to reducing school dropouts. Mothers or guardians of children attending government and aided schools would receive ₹15,000 annually. Vijay also announced plans to establish 100 residential schools, to be named after K. Kamaraj, a former Chief Minister. On the employment front, the manifesto promises five lakh new government jobs and an equal number of paid internships. Unemployed graduates could expect monthly assistance of up to ₹4,000, and higher education loans up to ₹20 lakh are also proposed.
Technological Vision and Business Reforms
Signalling a strong push towards modern technology, Vijay's government would create an AI Ministry, an AI University, and an AI City. For businesses, the manifesto aims to improve the ease of doing business by guaranteeing that licences would be issued within 21 days, streamlining bureaucratic processes.
Support for Farmers and Rural Development
Farmers are offered substantial relief through a full waiver of cooperative crop loans for those owning less than five acres of land, while those with larger holdings would receive a 50 percent waiver. The party has also proposed a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy and ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane, aiming to provide greater financial stability to agricultural communities.
Health, Pensions, and Essential Services
In healthcare, TVK promises free annual check-ups, significant upgrades to hospitals, and a family health insurance cover of up to ₹25 lakh. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are slated to receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000. Basic services would also see enhancements, with 200 units of free electricity and piped drinking water for all households.
Governance at the Doorstep
The manifesto introduces reforms to ensure efficient governance, including time-bound delivery of government services like certificates and land pattas, backed by a legal guarantee. Doorstep delivery of essential ration supplies has also been promised. For government staff, Vijay indicated that the Old Pension Scheme would be considered, and contract workers, including nurses, would be regularized.