Special: Tamil mega star Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathi among his fans, has made a tremendous entry in politics. Vijay, 50, had launched “TVK” or Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam in February and surprised everyone by holding a mega rally in Vikravendi, Tamil Nadu on October 27. It is expected that he will add a new dimension to Tamil Nadu politics in the 2026 assembly elections. Actor-turned-politician Vijay intends to field candidates on all 234 seats in the state in the upcoming assembly elections.
Vijay has said that TVK will not only be an alternative to existing political players, but will be a primary force for change in Tamil Nadu. Jumping into politics, Vijay joins the ranks of famous actors-turned-politicians in Tamil Nadu including MG Ramachandran (MGR), Jayalalitha, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan.
Political scenario of Tamil Nadu
For decades, the political scene in Tamil Nadu has been dominated by two Dravidian parties – the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The alliance of the two parties has about three-fourth vote share in Tamil Nadu. Vijay is eyeing the remaining one-fourth vote share.
Since the 1970s when AIADMK founder MGR made his party the DMK’s main rival, a number of players have attempted to change Tamil Nadu’s bipolar political structure. Even BJP has not been able to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. The BJP-led NDA got 18.27 percent votes in the 2024 general elections and AIADMK slipped from second position in 12 of the 39 constituencies.
‘Captain’ Vijayakanth started the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005. However, Vijayakanth’s influence on Tamil Nadu politics was short-lived. In 2018, actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) as an alternative to DMK and AIADMK. But Kamal Haasan also failed to make any impact.
What is different in Vijay
Talking about statistics, Vijay made everything clear in his first rally itself. The crowd has been estimated at 4 to 5 lakh. But the question is whether these numbers translate into votes or not. Vijay has entered politics at a time when the AIADMK is still not over the death of party stalwart and former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2016.
Like MGR, stardom can also be Vijay’s USP. Even at the age of 50, age is on his side. His supporters believe that he entered politics at the peak of his film career. “I have left the peak of my career and have come trusting you people,” Vijay said at the mega rally. At the rally, the superstar declared the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as his party’s political rival. Without directly naming any political party, he described the Bharatiya Janata Party as his party’s ideological rival. Vijay criticized the DMK’s attempt to project the BJP as a fascist force, saying Tamil Nadu’s ruling party is not fundamentally different. Vijay said – “You always keep shouting fascism, fascism and spreading fear among minorities. If they are doing fascism, are you any different?”
Vijay’s decision to enter politics has long been linked to his influential father, film director SA Chandrashekhar. Vijay’s intentions became clear last June when he participated in a student rally in Chennai, rallying youth to advocate against accepting cash to vote and invoking Dravidian icon EV Ramasamy Periyar, former Chief Minister K Kamaraj and the Constitution. The producer was encouraged to educate himself about leaders like B.R. Ambedkar. Vijay invoked all three icons at the rally. He said – Our ideological opponents are those who divide people on the basis of religion, caste, race, gender and wealth.
Dravidian thought and Tamil nationalism
Vijay has said that “TVK” will run on secular and socially inclusive principles. The goals of the party include democracy, social justice, secularism, equality, social harmony, women’s education and empowerment, rational mindset, two-language policy, state autonomy, conservation of natural resources, climate-conscious development, promotion of manufacturing and addiction-free Including promoting Tamil Nadu. In its first rally, Vijay’s party seemed to be endorsing an ideology that is a blend of Dravidian ideas and Tamil nationalism.
According to political analysts, Vijay has hit a six in the first over. He has made a good start. He can score a century or get out in the third over. Will have to wait and see.
Only time will tell whether Vijay will be successful in breaking AIADMK’s stranglehold on Tamil Nadu politics. But Vijay’s entry has made Tamil Nadu politics more interesting.
