Thu Dec 18 11:46:03 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on the information.
Summary:
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay launched a strong critique of the ruling DMK party at a campaign meeting in Erode, Tamil Nadu. He accused the DMK of failing to deliver on electoral promises and engaging in corrupt practices. Vijay positioned the TVK as a “pure force” offering people-oriented governance, echoing past criticisms of the DMK by former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. He highlighted local issues like turmeric cultivation and irrigation projects, criticized the misuse of public funds, and welcomed a former Minister into the party. The rally drew a large crowd of supporters, with police estimating between 18,000 and 20,000 attendees. The event caused some traffic disruption, but no major incidents were reported. Vijay confirmed that TVK would be contesting the 2026 assembly election.
News Article:
Vijay Launches Blistering Attack on DMK at Erode Rally
ERODE, TAMIL NADU – December 18, 2025 – Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay unleashed a barrage of criticism against the ruling DMK party at a campaign rally held near the Vijayamangalam toll plaza in Erode district today. Addressing a crowd estimated between 18,000 and 20,000, Vijay branded the DMK an “evil force” and presented his party as a “pure force” committed to serving the people.
“The political contest will be between these two forces alone,” Vijay declared, invoking the historical criticisms of the DMK leveled by former Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.
Vijay accused the DMK of failing to fulfill key electoral promises, including waiving education loans, abolishing NEET, and implementing river-linking projects. He also criticized alleged corruption in turmeric procurement and the neglect of farmers, weavers, and small-scale producers.
Highlighting local concerns, Vijay emphasized the importance of turmeric cultivation and criticized successive governments for failing to expand irrigation projects, specifically mentioning the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme.
“Those exploiting [Periyar’s] name are my true political adversaries,” Vijay stated.
The TVK leader also addressed concerns about welfare schemes, clarifying that he opposes the misuse of public funds rather than the schemes themselves. He criticised the closure of 207 government schools by the DMK, whilst they are calling the state the ‘Best State in Education’.
Significantly, Vijay welcomed former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan into the TVK, stating that this would strengthen the party.
Authorities reported no major incidents at the rally, although two attendees received medical attention for dizziness. The event caused significant traffic disruption on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway, with traffic returning to normal approximately an hour after the meeting. Vijay confirmed that TVK would be contesting the 2026 assembly election and DMK would be their principal rival.
This rally marks Vijay’s first major public address since the Karur stampede on September 27th, and signals an escalation in the political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.