TVK chief Vijay on Sunday announced his party’s candidates for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 elections. The actor-turned-politician also confirmed his electoral debut, contesting from two seats- Perambur in Chennai, considered a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stronghold, and Tiruchirappalli (East) in central Tamil Nadu.
“It will be C Joseph Vijay from these two seats,” he declared amid loud cheers at a meeting of party functionaries held in the city.
Vijay makes crowd emotional
Vijay also unveiled the full list of candidates contesting from his party. One of the most notable announcements was his decision to field his personal driver P.A. Rajendra’s son, Sabarinathan, as the MLA candidate from Virugambakkam. Rajendra has worked as Vijay’s driver for decades and later became his personal assistant.
Vijay invited both father and son on stage while announcing the candidature. The emotional moment saw both of them in tears, with Sabarinathan touching Vijay’s feet after the announcement.
#ThalapathyVijay has given an MLA seat to his personal car driver Rajendran’s son, Sabrinathan.
pic.twitter.com/4mQPkMUtrV— Movies Singapore (@MoviesSingapore) March 29, 2026
Vijay’s promises to the people
Outlining the qualities of an ideal MLA, Vijay said candidates must possess integrity and should not “loot” the people.
Focusing on a youth-centric agenda, which he termed a “guarantee,” Vijay promised several measures, including steps toward a drug-free Tamil Nadu and collateral-free loans of up to Rs 20 lakh for students from Class 12 to PhD.
His plan for a drug-free state includes stricter laws to curb narcotics, community policing, and the introduction of anti-drug clubs in schools and colleges to raise awareness.
Vijay also promised a fixed recruitment calendar for all state government jobs under the proposed Tamil Nadu Recruitment Accountability and Transparency Act (TRATA). He said the entire recruitment process, from notifications to appointments, would be completed within 365 days.
Additionally, he announced “employment delay financial assistance,” under which unemployed graduates aged 29 and above will receive Rs 4,000 per month, while diploma holders will receive Rs 2,500 through the Youth Welfare Fund.
He further promised to create five lakh internship opportunities annually in collaboration with private industries and MSMEs. Graduates would receive Rs 10,000 per month, while ITI and diploma holders would receive Rs 8,000.
Under the Vetri Entrepreneur Scheme, collateral-free loans of up to Rs 25 lakh will be offered to promote ethical entrepreneurship.
Other proposals include a Tamil Employment Credit System, under which private companies ensuring 75 percent local employment will receive SGST subsidies, electricity bill benefits, and priority in government procurement.
Vijay added that while the current agenda focuses on youth, separate policy frameworks are being prepared for farmers, fishermen, government employees, teachers, weavers, and labourers.
