Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay has officially sounded the election bugle for his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), in Tamil Nadu politics. At the party conference held in Madurai, Vijay made it clear that he would not be forming any alliances with any party in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Chennai: Vijay, the actor-turned-politician, has begun taking active steps in Tamil Nadu politics. His party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), will begin its political innings in the upcoming Assembly elections next year. During a rally in Chennai last evening, Vijay urged people to help in finalizing candidates in all the constituencies of the state.
He announced that he would contest from Madurai East and that the public should vote understanding that Vijay himself is the candidate in all the Madurai constituencies. His message was clear: Vote for TVK, regardless of the candidate.
'I am a Lion, There is no Scope for Alliance'
At a conference packed with thousands of supporters in Madurai, Vijay said, "I am a lion. I am marking my territory. TVK is here to establish dominance. There will be no alliances." He clarified that his party would neither become a subordinate of the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) nor an ally of the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) or any other regional party. Vijay said that his only ideological enemy is the BJP, while his political rival is only the DMK.
Vijay announced that he will be a candidate from Madurai East in the upcoming elections. He told supporters that they should vote for the TVK candidate in every seat as if he himself were contesting from all 234 seats. Choosing Madurai for the electoral launch is part of Vijay's strategy. The city has traditionally been a bhold of the AIADMK, but is currently held by the DMK.
Vijay's conference and announcement to contest the election here is seen as a direct challenge to the DMK's bhold. According to political analysts, this move is an attempt to strengthen TVK in southern Tamil Nadu and unite anti-DMK votes.
'TVK's Politics is for the Welfare of the People'
Vijay said that his party will not only engage in the politics of power but will focus on the welfare of the common people. He said, "TVK's politics is real, emotional, and for the welfare of the people. Our priority will be the safety of women, the elderly, and children." He assured that his government would give special attention and support to farmers, youth, transgender individuals, disabled citizens, and neglected elders.
In his speech, Vijay also cornered the central government. He raised sensitive issues like the Katchatheevu island and the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam, asking sharp questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Actor Vijay's Roar
Vijay said, "Our 800+ fishermen were attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy. Bring back Katchatheevu to protect our fishermen. Cancel NEET! Can you do that, Modi ji?" This statement not only brings the problem of the state's fishermen to the center but also gives air to the long-standing demands of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Vijay's stance is considered a major change in Tamil Nadu politics. The possibility of an alliance with the BJP has already faded as Vijay has described the BJP as his ideological enemy. At the same time, AIADMK will also not get any support from TVK, which is likely to fragment opposition votes.
Political experts believe that TVK contesting alone could pose a new challenge to the DMK. Although the party is still in its early stages, Vijay's stardom and widespread public support could make TVK a major player in Tamil Nadu politics.
