“Vote for whistle, it’s a whistle revolution election,” he said while announcing the names of the candidates of his party, which has the poll symbol of the whistle.

The actor-turned-politician Vijay is making his political debut in this election with his party, TVK. Vijay will be going against DMK’s sitting MLA RD Shekar, who will contest from Perambur. He is also pitted against the sitting MLA and DMK candidate Inigo Irudayaraj in Trichy East.

Addressing a press conference, Vijay stressed staying faithful, honest, and devoted to public service, saying women’s safety and a drug-free Tamil Nadu will be prioritised after securing victory in the Assembly elections.

“I urge the people to vote for TVK and our ‘Whistle’ symbol. We are here only for the people, and always for the people. After winning, I promise that we will never misuse public money or indulge in corruption. We will ensure women’s safety, create a drug-free Tamil Nadu, and maintain strict law and order. I assure you — we will never act against the interests of the people of this state. This is my promise. I kindly request the people of TN to give one opportunity to TVK for the welfare of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

TVK General Secretary of Election Campaign Management, Aadhav Arjuna, had earlier stated that Vijay would contest in one of the North Chennai constituencies in the upcoming elections. The party chief has now chosen the Perambur Assembly constituency, which falls under the North Chennai region.

The party’s General Secretary, N Anand, will contest from the T. Nagar constituency, and Treasurer Venkat Ramanan will contest from Mylapore.

From Kolathur, VS Babu is pitted against DMK’s MK Stalin, while Selvam of the TVK will contest against Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk.

Further, in his address, Vijay emphasised that TVK MLAs are unlike those of other parties. He said they understand the struggles of the common people and will act as true representatives in the Assembly.

“Today is an important day, a day where we introduce the true protectors of the people (candidates). Our candidates come from ordinary backgrounds. They are not people with great wealth or power. They are people who understand the struggles of the common man, unlike other MLAs who are corrupt. An MLA should not rely merely on experience. What matters is integrity, responsibility, and commitment to the people. An MLA is not just a representative; they are the protectors of the Assembly and the voice of the people. I have personally selected each candidate after careful consideration,” he said.

In a veiled attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), he said, “The alliance we speak about (DMK) is not a strong or natural alliance. Such alliances may not last, especially when the outcome is already known.”

Vijay also announced a series of key election promises, stressing his vision for a drug-free and self-reliant Tamil Nadu. He assured that all government examinations will be conducted on time without delays.

Highlighting youth welfare, Vijay announced a monthly assistance of ₹4,000 for graduates and ₹2,000 for diploma holders.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering all 234 constituencies in the state. Counting is scheduled for May 4.

The current tenure of the Assembly ends on May 10.

The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies.