Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C. Joseph Vijay addressed an election rally in Dharapuram on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in support of the party’s candidate in the Dharapuram Assembly by-election. Vijay said TVK had entered politics with the objective of serving the people, rather than with a mindset of power or monarchy. He referred to the government’s administrative work and various welfare schemes.
Vijay said some people believe that TVK has forgotten the mandate given by the people in the 2026 Assembly election. He claimed that the people had given TVK the responsibility of forming the government and removed the DMK from power.
He said some people still believe that he is the Chief Minister, that his family is in power and that the people remain under his family’s control. Vijay said TVK had no mindset of monarchy or royal rule.
The Chief Minister said his party had entered politics to serve the people and wanted to respect and acknowledge the trust placed in it by voters. He said the people had placed considerable trust in the party and that the government would work to maintain that trust.
Referring to his government’s administration, Vijay said it had worked with a commitment to ensure an administration free from corruption and bribery since assuming office.
He referred to several steps taken by the government. According to Vijay, 717 TASMAC liquor shops located around schools and religious places had been closed. The TVK government had announced the closure of these shops during its initial days in office.
The Chief Minister said the government’s focus was on implementing the promises made to the people during the election and that several schemes had been implemented within a short period.
At the Dharapuram meeting, Vijay referred to the scheme providing free electricity up to 200 units in the state. The TVK government had announced the decision related to the scheme in May 2026.
Vijay described it as one of the government’s key early decisions. He also referred to the ‘Singappen’ special task force created for women’s safety.
According to Vijay, 2,546 new posts had been created under the women’s safety arrangement. Vijay had also provided information about these new posts in the Assembly in September 2026.
The Chief Minister also referred to the government’s action against drugs. He said special anti-drug units had been established in 37 districts and 9 municipal corporations across the state.
According to Vijay, a total of 65 teams were working to prevent drug-related activities. He described the teams as part of the government’s action against drugs in the state.
At the rally, Vijay referred to an increase of ₹6 per litre in the price paid for milk procured from farmers. He said the government had also focused on issues concerning farmers and welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister also announced the implementation of the ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram’ scheme. The scheme was launched on September 28, 2026. Tamil Nadu government district administration websites have also published information about the launch of the scheme and the distribution of gold rings to newborn children.
Under the scheme, eligible newborn children are to receive a 1-gram, 22-carat gold ring. The statewide launch of the scheme was held on September 28 at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
Vijay also referred to the ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme providing free bus travel for women. He said the scheme would be implemented across Tamil Nadu from October 2, 2026.
Under the scheme, the provision of free travel for women on government buses is being expanded. According to the government’s preparations, free travel for women will be provided on 12,692 designated government buses under the scheme.
Tamil Nadu CM and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay highlighted corruption-free administration, free electricity up to 200 units, women’s safety, anti-drug teams and welfare schemes at the September 30 Dharapuram rally ahead of the October 6 by-election.
The announcement to implement the scheme from October 2 had also been made earlier in the Assembly. According to reports, the scheme is intended to make access to work, education and healthcare services easier for women.
The by-election to the Dharapuram Assembly seat is scheduled for October 6, 2026, while counting will take place on October 9. The Election Commission has announced by-elections for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Both seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC).
The Dharapuram by-election became necessary following the resignation of then AIADMK MLA P. Sathyabama and her subsequent joining of TVK. TVK has fielded Sathyabama as its candidate in the by-election.
Vijay’s Dharapuram rally was part of the election campaign. Reports a day before the rally said that the Chief Minister would campaign in support of TVK candidate Sathyabama. Extensive preparations were made along the Dharapuram-Udumalpet Road for the rally.
Political activity in Tamil Nadu has intensified ahead of the Dharapuram by-election. According to the election schedule, the nomination process began on September 9, with September 16 as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny of nomination papers was held on September 17, while September 19 was the last date for withdrawal of candidature. Polling is scheduled for October 6 and counting for October 9.
At the Dharapuram meeting, Vijay focused his speech on the government’s functioning, welfare schemes and TVK’s political role. He referred to implementing promises made to the people, maintaining an administration free from corruption and bribery, and schemes related to women, farmers and other sections.
The by-election results will be declared on October 9. Campaigning by various political parties is currently underway in Dharapuram, with voters scheduled to exercise their franchise on October 6.
