Vijay’s TVK Makes Big Promises In First Election Test

₹2,500 per month for homemakers, six free LPG cylinders every year, a gold ring for every newborn, and interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for women’s self-help groups — these are among the key promises put forward in the election manifesto released by TVK, led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay.

TVK is heading into the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a mix of excitement and pressure. For a party making its first real electoral test, the scale itself is striking — it is contesting all 234 seats across the state. That also means it finds itself up against the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK, along with national parties like the BJP and the Congress. Despite the buzz around Vijay, the ground reality also brings its own set of hurdles. His limited presence in direct campaigning, the lack of a strong local leadership base, and a still-developing grassroots network are all expected to test how far the party can convert popularity into actual votes.

TVK unveiled its manifesto on April 16 during a meeting of party functionaries, setting out a range of welfare-oriented proposals aimed at voters. Along with monthly support for homemakers and free LPG cylinders, TVK has also promised 200 units of free electricity per household. The manifesto further includes an unemployment allowance of ₹4,000 for graduates, plans to open up 5 lakh paid internship opportunities, and the creation of 5 lakh new government jobs.

TVK’s manifesto also includes plans for 100 residential schools, along with education support in the form of ₹20,000 loans for higher studies and ₹15,000 assistance for mothers of students. For senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities, the proposal promises a monthly support of ₹3,000, while around 15 lakh people are expected to come under a pension scheme. On the social welfare side, it also speaks of giving brides a sovereign of gold and a silk saree at the time of marriage. In addition, the party has said that those without land ownership would be allotted free house ownership documents on government land.

Along with the manifesto, Vijay also said that if he becomes an MLA, he will visit his constituency every month and stay accessible to the people. Calling TVK’s first manifesto an “honest guarantee", he also criticised both the DMK and AIADMK, saying their promises are not very different, with one offering ₹10,000 and the other ₹8,000 in coupons.

Vijay’s entry has added a new edge to Tamil Nadu politics, shaking up familiar equations and drawing fresh attention from voters. The question now is whether Stalin’s DMK can stay in control or if Vijay’s TVK will manage to redraw the political map.