'People want change, money alone will not decide outcomes': TVK's Arunraj | Interview

As political equations shift in Tamil Nadu, the emergence of TVK is being positioned as a direct challenge to the ruling party, with claims that traditional alliances have failed to resonate with voters. The narrative of a two-party contest is being contested amid growing calls for change. The Federal spoke to KG Arunraj, TVK leader, about the mood on the ground, alliances, and whether crowd support will translate into votes.

How do you read the crowd response in Tiruchengode?

The crowd is very positive and enthusiastic. Not just in this constituency, but across Tamil Nadu, people are expecting a change. They are fed up with the two parties that have governed the state for decades and have been longing for an alternative.

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When our leader started this movement, it became a people’s movement, and they have embraced it as their own. They are eagerly waiting to vote in our favour.

How do you respond to criticism that TVK is also offering freebies?

To term welfare measures as freebies is not right. Tamil Nadu is fundamentally a welfare state. Even after more than 70 years of independence, people still need support to come out of poverty. These measures provide an initial push to uplift them from that cycle. Until people become self-sufficient, such welfare schemes are necessary.

What is your take on claims by AIADMK and DMK about their strength in the region?

It is natural for both parties to claim support, but the truth is that not just this region, the entire Tamil Nadu has become TVK’s ground. People are fed up with corruption and dynastic politics. On the one side is the DMK-led alliance, and on the other is the BJP-led alliance, which people have clearly rejected.

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The fight is now between TVK and DMK, and DMK is going to lose. We will form the government.

In the Kongu region, is it still a DMK vs AIADMK contest, or TVK vs DMK?

As I said, the BJP-led alliance has not been accepted by the people. AIADMK, due to its own compulsions, aligned with the BJP, but that alliance has not worked on the ground. The reality is that the contest is between TVK and AIADMK here, but the clear winner will be TVK.

Many say TVK will only split votes, and crowds won’t convert into votes. Your response?

When our leader comes, people gather in large numbers, even in scorching heat, waiting for hours just to see him. If they can make that effort, they will certainly go to the polling booths and vote. Each cadre will also convert more people into supporters and ensure they vote for TVK.

Will TVK cut into DMK or AIADMK votes in this region?

Earlier, AIADMK had influence here, but due to leadership issues, it has lost its universal appeal. The AIADMK under MGR and Jayalalithaa was different from the current leadership. Today’s leadership is seen as representing a particular community, which has weakened its support base.

What really influences voters — cash, freebies, or governance?

Both major parties rely heavily on money power. Instead of focusing on governance, they aim to earn illegally while in power and distribute money during elections to influence voters. But people have become wiser. Earlier, they had no real alternative and had to choose between these two parties.

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Now, they have a credible option in TVK. This election will prove that money alone will not decide outcomes.

There is criticism that TVK cannot attract minority votes as Vijay has not openly opposed BJP. How do you respond?

That claim is completely wrong. Our leader has strongly criticised the delimitation bill. DMK is trying to influence minority communities through the clergy, asking them not to support TVK. But minorities have seen through this strategy and understand that DMK has an understanding with BJP.

You are alleging a tacit understanding between DMK and BJP. Why?

DMK cannot truly oppose BJP because many of its ministers face corruption charges and investigations by agencies like ED and IT. How can they take a strong stand? Even in administrative decisions, such as police transfers, there were delays.

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This suggests an understanding between the two, even if they publicly appear opposed.

Do you think minorities will shift away from the DMK?

Earlier, minorities supported DMK, but now they are reassessing. They are asking who truly stands with them. Our leader has faced repeated summons and challenges, including issues around the Karur incident and delays and leaks related to his film Jana Nayagan. People see who has been targeted and who can genuinely protect their interests.

What is your overall expectation from this election?

We are confident that not just minorities, but all sections of society will support TVK. The common sentiment across Tamil Nadu is the desire for change. People are fed up with both these parties and are ready to choose an alternative.

(The content above has been transcribed from video using a fine-tuned AI model. To ensure accuracy, quality, and editorial integrity, we employ a Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) process. While AI assists in creating the initial draft, our experienced editorial team carefully reviews, edits, and refines the content before publication. At The Federal, we combine the efficiency of AI with the expertise of human editors to deliver reliable and insightful journalism.)