NEW DELHI: As Tamil Nadu prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay has emerged as a significant new player with the formation of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). His entry into active politics is expected to make the electoral contest more competitive and less predictable, potentially reshaping the state’s long-standing political landscape dominated by Dravidian parties.
TVK has positioned itself as an alternative to both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The party has been vocal in criticising what it describes as “dynasty politics” and entrenched corruption in the state. Political observers believe that the emergence of TVK could divide vote shares and potentially reduce what earlier appeared to be a relatively comfortable electoral path for the ruling DMK.
Vijay’s popularity—particularly among young voters—has attracted considerable attention, with his rallies drawing large crowds across Tamil Nadu. However, a senior opposition leader told The Sunday Guardian that while thousands attend these gatherings, it remains unclear how many of them will ultimately vote for his party. “A large number of people come simply to see the star in person,” the leader said, suggesting that crowd turnout does not always translate into electoral support.
According to political analysts, Vijay’s popularity could translate into a vote share of around 10–12 per cent. Even if TVK does not secure a substantial number of seats, analysts say it could act as a spoiler in tightly contested constituencies. This could particularly affect the electoral strategy of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is hoping to consolidate anti-DMK votes. Vijay has also expressed strong confidence about his party’s prospects. Addressing supporters at a rally, he declared, “In the Tamil Nadu elections, the contest is between Vijay and Stalin. Tamil Nadu is Vijay, and Vijay is Tamil Nadu. The battle is between TVK and DMK.”
He also criticised the current administration, describing it as a “fake model government” and a “stand-up comedy state government.” To appeal to voters, TVK has unveiled a series of welfare promises. Among its key pledges are free higher education for children of small and marginal farmers owning less than two acres of land and the assurance of a permanent income for at least one member in every household.
The party has also opposed the Centre’s proposed One Nation, One Election plan, demanded the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), and called for education to be moved back to the State List. TVK has additionally opposed the proposed Parandur Airport project and demanded strict action against illegal sand mining. Vijay has also promised that a TVK-led government would complete all development projects within five years and ensure greater safety and protection for fishermen along the state’s coastline. Observers say the party has been carefully building its organisational structure. TVK launched its statewide campaign in September 2025, organising district tours primarily on weekends to avoid disrupting people’s daily livelihoods. According to analysts, this strategy aims to establish early and sustained engagement with voters across the state. As part of its grassroots expansion, TVK has reportedly set up eight-member committees in nearly 69,000 polling booths, with at least two women included in each committee. The party plans to allocate 60 per cent of its election tickets to dedicated party workers and loyalists, while the remaining 40 per cent will go to experienced leaders, influential outsiders and strategic new entrants.
Vijay’s political entry is also being closely analysed in terms of its potential impact on minority voting patterns. As a member of the Christian community, which constitutes roughly seven per cent of Tamil Nadu’s population, his rise could influence sections of minority voters who have traditionally supported the DMK-led alliance. When combined with Muslim voters, minorities make up around 12 per cent of the state’s electorate.
There is also speculation that several smaller regional parties may choose to align with TVK ahead of the elections. While it remains uncertain whether the party will draw more support away from the DMK or the AIADMK, analysts agree that its presence has already introduced a new layer of uncertainty into the state’s political scenario.
