Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has made a significant debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, positioning itself as the single largest party by leading in over 100 of the 234 seats. While falling short of the 118-seat majority, the party's performance indicates a notable shift in the state's political landscape. Ahead of the April 23 polls, TVK unveiled a comprehensive manifesto focused on welfare, reform, and future-ready initiatives that resonated with voters.
Key Welfare Promises and Reforms
Women-Centric Initiatives
A cornerstone of TVK's campaign was its focus on women's welfare. The manifesto promises a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 for women under 60 years of age. Additionally, it includes provisions for 8 grams of gold for marriages, six free cooking gas cylinders annually per family, and quality silk sarees for indigent brides. Women-led self-help groups are also assured interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh.
Education and Future Technology
Education received significant attention, with plans to combat school dropouts by providing ₹15,000 annually to mothers or guardians of children in government and state-aided schools. TVK also proposed 100 special residential schools named after K. Kamaraj and higher education loans up to ₹20 lakh. In a forward-looking move, the party announced plans for an AI Ministry, AI University, and an AI City to foster technological advancement in the state.
Support for Farmers and Rural Economy
Agrarian relief was a central pillar, with TVK pledging a full waiver of agricultural cooperative crop loans for farmers owning less than five acres. Farmers with larger holdings would receive a 50 percent waiver. The party also committed to a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy and ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
Addressing unemployment, the manifesto promised to create five lakh government jobs and an equal number of stipendiary internships. Unemployed graduates would receive monthly assistance up to ₹4,000, targeting the aspirations of young voters.
Healthcare and Social Security
In healthcare, TVK aims for a drug-free Tamil Nadu, modernised hospitals, and free annual health checkups. A ₹25 lakh family health insurance scheme was proposed, alongside a ₹3,000 monthly pension for the elderly and differently-abled individuals.
Basic Services and Household Relief
The party committed to providing 200 units of free electricity, regularising land pattas, and ensuring 100 percent piped drinking water supply for all households, addressing long-standing civic concerns.
Governance Reforms
Positioning itself against established political systems, TVK assured corruption-free governance. Proposals include a legal guarantee for time-bound delivery of essential services like community certificates and land pattas, as well as doorstep delivery of services such as ration supplies. The party also emphasized ease of doing business, promising the issuance of business licenses within 21 days.
A New Political Force in Tamil Nadu
In the run-up to the elections, TVK presented itself as a viable alternative to both the DMK and the AIADMK-led NDA, challenging decades of Dravidian political dominance. This messaging appears to have resonated, particularly among youth and urban voters. While the party is short of a clear majority, its strong performance suggests it may play a crucial role in post-poll alliances. Tamil Nadu has a rich history of film stars entering politics, and Vijay's campaign, marked by significant turnouts and youth engagement, indicates he has successfully translated his screen popularity into a formidable political presence.