Amid a rousing welcome in Nagapattinam, TVK leader Vijay assured that he would “always remain a friend of fishermen”, vowing to fight for their rights and linking their struggles with the cause of Eelam Tamils, as his second phase of election campaigning gained momentum today.
With just seven months left for the Assembly elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has stepped up his political campaign across Tamil Nadu. After the massive launch rally in Trichy last week, his second phase of campaigning was held today in Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts.
Vijay arrived at Trichy International Airport this morning by private flight. Hundreds of party cadres gathered in cars and two-wheelers to welcome him, but security was tightened. Paramilitary forces and local police restricted entry, allowing only passengers with valid tickets and airport staff with ID cards inside the premises.
From the airport, Vijay travelled by car along Pudukkottai Road, Mathur, Thanjavur Bypass, Suriyur Ring Road and Thuvakkudi Toll Gate, before switching to his campaign vehicle near Nagapattinam. At Puttur Roundabout, thousands of TVK cadres greeted him enthusiastically. Party cadres presented him with a sword as a mark of respect. In a notable gesture, TVK cadres also cleared the way for an ambulance caught in the crowd near the Anna Statue intersection, drawing public appreciation.
Addressing the gathering at the Anna Statue meeting point, Vijay began his speech with greetings:
“Lord Nagore, Nellikkadai Mariamman, and the grace of Velankanni Mata are with me today. Salutations to Anna and Periyar. My heartfelt greetings to all of you who live in my heart.”
Vijay hailed Nagapattinam as a district of hardworking people, known for its tradition of religious harmony. Stressing his bond with the fishing community, he declared:
“I will always be a friend of fishermen. Although Nagapattinam ranks second in fish exports, its fishing port still lacks basic facilities. It is our duty to speak for fishermen and stand with them.”
He condemned attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, asking whether it was a crime to raise such concerns. Linking it to the Tamil cause, he added:
“While defending fishermen, it is equally our duty to voice support for our kin, the Eelam Tamils.”
Concluding, Vijay said critics who mock his campaign would soon see Nagapattinam’s progress under the TVK movement.
