Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 | Vijay to contest two seats; announces guarantees for youth

Chennai: Announcing a slew of “guarantees” for youth, who are perceived to be his largest support group, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay on Sunday declared creating 5 lakh posts with a stipend of Rs 18,000 per month to deliver government service at people’s doorsteps and a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates above the age of 29.

Vijay made the announcements before releasing the list of candidates contesting the April 23 assembly elections which is a mix of office-bearers of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), TVK’s precursor, youngsters, and turn coats from AIADMK, who joined the party overnight after being denied seats to contest.

He is contesting from Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirapalli (East), in a move that the two-year-old fledgling party believes will help create riffle effect for its candidates.

While nominating most of the known TVK faces from Chennai, Vijay also gave seats to activists like Arul Arumugam, who faced a case under the stringent Goondas Act for protesting against acquiring land for a SIPCOT industrial estate and the son of his long-time driver and aide, Rajendiran, who is contesting from Virugambakkam in the city.

Many office-bearers of the VMI, who had joined the outfit decades ago having drawn by Vijay’s on-screen charisma, have also been rewarded with tickets. Lottery baron Santiago Martin’s son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna has been fielded from Villivakkam in Chennai, while retired IRS officer C G Arunraj and former AIADMK veteran K A Sengottaiyan are candidates from Tiruchengode and Gobichettipalayam.

Making a passionate plea to the people of Tamil Nadu to give the TVK a “chance to redeem” the state’s pride by throwing the “corrupt and inept” DMK out of power, Vijay told voters, especially from Gen Z, to throng the polling booths on April 23 and exercise their franchise in favour of his party symbol, Whistle.

“The candidates I have chosen are from ordinary families. Voting in this election is voting for yourself. It is a whistle revolution and I appeal to youngsters to vote in large numbers. If you are abroad, please book your tickets. I have come leaving behind a thriving film career only to serve you,” Vijay said.

Prominent among the promises for youth is the creation of a new post – Chief Minister’s People Service Friend – generating 5 lakh jobs with a stipend of Rs 18,000 per month to deliver services at doorsteps and establishment of Tamil Nadu Youth Advisory Council to generate ideas to make the state a pioneer in youth participation.

Touching upon drug menace, Vijay said his government, if it came to power, will establish anti-Narcotic Drug Clubs in schools and colleges and take steps to ensure that drugs don’t enter the state easily. To ensure students continue their higher education, Vijay announced a scheme under which the government will strive for collateral-free education loans up to Rs 20 lakh for pursuing studies up to Ph.D.

“Government job is the dream of many youngsters and we will enact Tamil Nadu Recruitment Accountability and Transparency Act will be enacted to ensure fairness and transparency in recruitment processes conducted by TNPSC, TRB, and TNEB,” Vijay said.

He added that an allowance of Rs 4,000 for graduates Rs 2,500 for diploma holders will be provided to those who don’t get a job beyond 29 years of age and announced incentives like 2.5 per cent SGST concession and 5 per cent concession on electricity charges to companies that provide 75 per cent of jobs to locals.