Vijay Clarifies TVK Stand On Periyar And God Belief
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday, June 22, 2026, told the Assembly that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam accepts the social principles of Periyar EV Ramasamy but does not agree with his atheist stand.
Speaking during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, Vijay said TVK believes in God while also respecting different ideological views. His remarks came as he outlined the ideological foundation of his government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
TVK Believes In God, Says Vijay
Vijay said Periyar’s rejection of religious belief was not accepted by his party, but his broader teachings on social justice and equality were fully embraced.
He said TVK is not opposed to any ideology and has always maintained a clear position on faith and social reform.
According to Vijay, his government draws inspiration from Periyar’s social ideas, Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of equal opportunity and social justice, and former Chief Minister K Kamaraj’s model of honest administration.
Vijay Explains Party’s Ideological Line
The Chief Minister said TVK has created its own political identity by combining social justice, honest administration, and faith-friendly politics.
He said his party had taken Periyar’s social message, Ambedkar’s equality-based approach, and Kamaraj’s clean governance model as guiding principles.
Vijay’s statement was seen as an attempt to clearly define TVK’s position in Tamil Nadu politics, especially on issues linked to Dravidian ideology, religion, and governance.
2026 Election Mandate Highlighted
During his Assembly speech, Vijay also defended TVK’s political journey and said the party had grown through direct engagement with people before entering electoral politics.
He rejected criticism that TVK was only an actor-led party and said such remarks failed to understand the party’s public connection.
Vijay said TVK contested the 2026 Assembly election without any alliance and secured 35 per cent of the vote. He said the party received 17.2 million votes and emerged as a major independent political force.
Government Of Ordinary People
Vijay described his administration as a government of ordinary people and compared it with the governments led by C.N. Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran.
He said TVK had broken barriers of religion and caste during the election and had received support from people across different sections of society.
The Chief Minister said his government would continue to focus on social justice, clean administration and welfare-oriented governance.
DMK Walkout After Corruption Remark
The Assembly also witnessed political tension after Vijay alleged that large-scale corruption had taken place under the previous government in the name of a “party fund.”
Following his remarks, DMK members staged a walkout from the House.
Vijay also responded to comments about Left parties and said they had joined his alliance on their own and not under anyone’s pressure.
TVK’s Political Message
Vijay’s speech was aimed at presenting TVK as a party with a separate ideological identity in Tamil Nadu politics.
By saying that TVK accepts Periyar’s social ideals but not atheism, Vijay attempted to position his party as one that supports social justice while remaining open to religious belief.
The speech is expected to remain a major talking point in Tamil Nadu politics as TVK continues to define its governance model and ideological direction.
