TVK Madurai conference HIGHLIGHTS | Vijay slams BJP, PM Modi, DMK and 'Stalin uncle in speech; promises people-centric politics
Asserting that the 2026 Assembly election would be a straight fight between the DMK and the TVK, Vijay called on his party cadre to ensure the ruling party’s defeat.
Visual from the TVK's second state-level conference in Madurai
CHENNAI: Actor-politician Vijay went all guns blazing at the TVK’s second state-level conference, targeting the ruling DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing them of misgovernance, corruption, and false poll promises. Asserting that the 2026 Assembly election would be a straight fight between the DMK and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he called on his party cadre to ensure the ruling party’s defeat.
Taking aim at the BJP in his 35-minute-long speech, the TVK chief reiterated that the saffron party was the TVK’s ideological enemy (and the DMK its political enemy). “The Centre's plans will not bear fruit in this secular land. The BJP cannot win in this state with any alliance.”
Earlier, Vijay sprinted along the 500-metre-long ramp extending from the stage in his trademark style, greeting supporters who presented him with scarves in the party colours, even as a special anthem played in the background.
Meanwhile, as per TV reports, an attendee reportedly died, while at least 200 people fainted due to the heat at the event venue. On Wednesday, a giant flagpole on which Vijay was scheduled to hoist the TVK flag collapsed atop a car, crushing it. A supporter in Virudhunagar district was electrocuted to death while erecting a cutout ahead of the conference.
In light of the lakhs of supporters and volunteers present at the expansive 500-acre ground in Parapathi in Madurai district, over 3,000 police personnel were deployed to manage the crowd alongside drones with medical kits.
Live Updates
- 21 Aug 2025 3:30 PM IST
Vijay’s parents arrive on stage
Actor Vijay’s parents, Shoba and Chandrasekhar, arrive on stage at the conference.
- 21 Aug 2025 3:17 PM IST
TVK’s 2nd state conference begins
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) second State conference has begun in Madurai.
Though it was originally scheduled to begin at 4 pm, the conference began earlier due to the growing crowd. Vijay’s parents have also arrived at the stage.
- 21 Aug 2025 2:45 PM IST
Families with children evacuated from the conference
Due to the increasing heat, the medical team is evacuating those who arrived with children for the conference. They have been advised to move to shade, set up near the venue.
- 21 Aug 2025 2:43 PM IST
Over 40 ambulances are kept ready for the conference
More than 40 ambulances with life-saving medical equipment have been arranged for the conference, where lakhs of volunteers are expected to gather.
- 21 Aug 2025 2:38 PM IST
Denial of permission for TVK vehicles causes traffic congestion
Vehicles heading to the TVK conference via the Valayankulam route were halted, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
Police denied permission for vehicles to pass through Valayankulam, citing disruption to traffic.
- 21 Aug 2025 2:35 PM IST
Volunteers collapse in Madurai Heat during conference
Despite being provided with food and water facilities, many volunteers fainted as the heat crossed 102.2° F in Madurai.
A medical team is on site and is immediately attending to those affected and providing treatment.
- 21 Aug 2025 2:22 PM IST
TVK cadres throng TASMAC outlets
“Why hasn’t the shop opened even after 12,' many asked as a QR codeglitch kept many waiting outside the TASMAC
