Actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder of the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has unveiled a wide range of welfare promises aimed primarily at women ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2026. The announcement was made during an International Women’s Day event held in Mamallapuram, where the actor-politician outlined several social and economic initiatives that his party plans to implement if it forms the government in the state.
During the event, Vijay said that empowering women would remain a central focus of his political vision. To achieve this goal, he proposed a number of schemes designed to provide financial assistance, improve safety, enhance mobility, and support families across Tamil Nadu. His announcements immediately drew attention across the political landscape as the state prepares for what could become a highly competitive election.
One of the most significant promises made by Vijay is a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for women. According to the proposal, the financial support will be provided to women up to the age of 60. However, government employees will not be eligible for the benefit. Vijay said the scheme is intended to strengthen financial independence among women and provide relief to families struggling with rising living costs.
Another major welfare proposal focuses on marriage assistance. Vijay announced that young women will receive one sovereign of gold along with a silk saree as a wedding gift from the government if his party comes to power. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden many families face during weddings and offer support to women starting a new phase of life.
The TVK chief also introduced the ‘Annapurani Super Six Scheme’, under which families would receive six free LPG cylinders every year. The initiative is designed to reduce household expenses and encourage the use of clean cooking fuel, especially among middle- and lower-income households. Rising LPG prices have been a concern for many families, and the scheme attempts to address that issue directly.
Education also featured prominently in Vijay’s announcements. To prevent school dropouts, he proposed the ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam’, which would provide ₹15,000 annually to mothers or guardians to ensure children continue their education. The financial assistance is intended to help families cover school-related expenses and keep children in classrooms rather than forcing them into work due to economic pressures.
In an effort to improve mobility and economic participation among women, Vijay promised free travel for women on all government buses through the proposed ‘Vetri Payanam Scheme’. The scheme aims to make daily commuting easier for working women, students and those who rely on public transportation for essential activities.
Women’s safety was another key focus of the TVK leader’s vision. Vijay announced the formation of a special unit called the Rani Velu Nachiyar Force, named after the historic queen who fought against British rule. The force would consist of women officers operating in plain clothes and equipped with body cameras. Around 500 teams would reportedly be deployed across Tamil Nadu to strengthen security and respond to incidents involving women.
To ensure faster justice in cases of crimes against women, Vijay also proposed setting up Anjalai Ammal Fast-Track Courts, named after freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal. These courts would focus on speeding up investigations and delivering timely judgments in cases involving violence or harassment against women.
The party also plans to introduce smart panic buttons in public transport vehicles, including buses and private share autos. These devices would allow passengers to alert authorities instantly in case of emergencies. According to the proposal, authorities would be able to respond within five minutes of receiving an alert, improving the safety network across public transportation systems.
Vijay also highlighted the need to eliminate unsafe areas in cities and towns by installing CCTV cameras and improving lighting. Modern monitoring command centres would track surveillance systems and ensure that vulnerable locations do not remain “dark spots,” thereby strengthening overall security infrastructure for women.
Health and hygiene were also included in the welfare blueprint. The TVK chief announced that free sanitary pads would be distributed through ration shops, schools and colleges, aiming to improve menstrual hygiene awareness and ensure that women and girls have easy access to basic health products.
To support women entrepreneurs, Vijay introduced the ‘Singa Pengal Development Scheme’, which would provide interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to women-run Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Groups that successfully transform into registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would receive an additional ₹5 lakh annual grant from the government to expand their production capacity and strengthen business operations.
Another unusual proposal announced during the event was the ‘Thaai Maaman Gold Ring Scheme’. Under this scheme, every newborn child in the state would receive a gold ring as a symbolic blessing from the government. Vijay said the initiative would celebrate the birth of children and support families during the early stages of parenthood.
In addition to this, the government would distribute a Baby Welcome Kit for newborns. The kit would include nutritional supplements, baby clothes, soaps, oil, powder, mosquito nets, toys, and essential items such as napkins and diapers. The scheme aims to help parents manage early childcare expenses and ensure better health conditions for newborn babies.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, which has 234 seats, is expected to go to elections in the first half of 2026. Political observers believe Vijay’s entry into active politics with TVK could significantly reshape the electoral dynamics in the state. The ruling alliance led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin under the Secular Progressive Alliance will attempt to retain power, while the National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP along with the AIADMK, will try to challenge the ruling coalition.
Vijay’s growing political presence is expected to turn the upcoming elections into a three-cornered contest, adding a new dimension to Tamil Nadu’s traditionally bipolar political landscape. With welfare-focused promises and a strong appeal among young voters and cinema fans, TVK appears determined to emerge as a major force in the state’s politics.
TVK Welfare Schemes Announced by Vijay
| Scheme Name | Key Benefit | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Financial Assistance Scheme | ₹2,500 per month | Women up to 60 years (excluding government employees) |
| Wedding Assistance Scheme | 1 sovereign gold + silk saree | Young brides |
| Annapurani Super Six Scheme | 6 free LPG cylinders every year | Families across Tamil Nadu |
| Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam | ₹15,000 annual aid to prevent school dropouts | Mothers or guardians of school children |
| Vetri Payanam Scheme | Free travel in government buses | Women |
| Rani Velu Nachiyar Force | Special women security teams with body cameras | Women’s safety |
| Anjalai Ammal Fast-Track Courts | Faster investigation and justice | Crimes against women |
| Smart Panic Button System | Emergency alert system in buses and autos | Public transport users |
| CCTV & Lighting Initiative | Eliminate unsafe “dark spots” | Public safety infrastructure |
| Free Sanitary Pad Distribution | Free pads through ration shops, schools and colleges | Women and girls |
| Singa Pengal Development Scheme | Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for SHGs | Women entrepreneurs |
| Thaai Maaman Gold Ring Scheme | Gold ring for newborn babies | Families with newborn children |
| Baby Welcome Kit Scheme | Kit with baby care essentials | New mothers |