Everyday new drama is happening in Dravidian battle ground. The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have turned the political atmosphere of Tamil Nadu in some complex way. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has suffered a setback in these elections but has not called it a crisis, instead, referring to it as a normal democratic swing. However, the larger battle of Tamil Nadu politics now is between ideology, largely of “Sanatana Dharma” and rationalism, and the growing appeal of actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay. It is also important to understand whether the topic of Sanatana Dharma started now or years back?
DMK’s setback, but no way to compromise ideology
MK Stalin’s DMK, has stressed that electoral wins and defeats don’t change its core ideology. Even after being reduced in the 2026 verdict, Party clearly conveyed that it remains true to its guiding principles.
DMK pointed out that in a long political journey, a loss is temporary, and it has always recovered from major setbacks. But critics say that the DMK’s reluctance to tweak its message and ideological line, particularly on sensitive issues can backfire.
Vijay’s mass entrance and current mood
The entry of Thalapathy Joseph Vijay through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is a new dimension in Tamil Nadu politics. His panchayat debut has shaken the political status quo and shaken the Dravidian duopoly.
While DMK continues to run its politics on the lines of ideology and rationalism, Vijay’s appeal is believed to be personality-driven and emotionally more connected to the young voters. Exactly like his cinema- more saviour like moves. This difference has put the politics of Tamil Nadu in a broader debate, popularly in public discourse framed as “ideology vs mass appeal”, or symbolically, “rationalism vs belief systems”.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s all time favourite Sanatana topic
Today, The Udhayanidhi Stalin controversy again exploded after the opposition leader’s comments about “eradicating Sanatana Dharma” and equating it to social evils. Infact this is not the first time he is attacking the belief.. This has been espoused by the BJP as one of the key reasons which can lead to the “Sanatan hatred” being spread in the country.
The incident has rekindled since 2026 polls, when the BJP leaders said DMK has “not learned from the failures.” However, the dravidian party has clearly stated that it is not against any religious faith but against caste hierarchy.
TVK’s astrologer in Govt- Too much spirituality in politics?
The new appointment of Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel to the cabinet as an Officer on Special Duty (Political) in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of C. Joseph Vijay created the debate between astrology and politics in Tamil Nadu.
Vettrivel, a reputed astrologer and numerologist, is Vijay’s long-time astrologer and spiritual advisor, who has had close ties with him for years. His appointment in the government setup has raised new questions about the influence of personal beliefs in political appointments.
According to reports, Vettrivel has been a close advisor to Vijay on many personal and political matters. He is considered one of Vijay’s trusted confidants.
As per some sources, he had predicted Vijay’s political success and had also advised him on the timing of official ceremonies. He was also associated with many prominent leaders in Tamil Nadu politics, which has made him a senior personality in the realm of political advisors.
This move has also made a storm, angrier controversy in the state, which is known for having strong ideological lines. While DMK continues with its rationalist rhetoric and faces criticism from BJP on ideology, the appointment of an astrologer and numerologist in the government has entered the mainstream discussion. Some people see Vijay’s move as his personal trust in his long-time associate while others see it as a return of faith and spirituality in politics, that is harmful and a bad practice.
What BJP is saying?
According to BJP leaders, the DMK and its allies have a long-standing policy to spread “Sanatan hatred”, based on the repeated instances that are still fresh in the mind of the voters.
From an ideological view, DMK adheres to and has built its core ideology around the legacy of Periyar EV. Ramasamy. According to the political narrative of DMK, Sanatana Dharma is not a religion. The issue has been brought into the limelight by the BJP for political gains.
The struggle against caste hierarchy is still a unifying factor for Dravidian politics and the DMK has maintained that the ideology of Sanatan Dharma is an integral part of its political ideology. However, this can be a political minefield in today’s polarised society.
Time for DMK to soften its Sanatana take?
After 2026 and the onslaught of opposition attacks, even critics began saying DMK should change or soften its approach. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam swear that ideology is fixed, but the cost of a hard line is becoming increasingly apparent.
BJP has raised its rhetorical bar, and Vijay has shifted voter expectations, leaving DMK at a strategic crossroads: Uphold the ideological legacy, or move towards a centrist, less polarising political discourse.
Tamil Nadu is at a political crossroads today, where elections are no longer just about governance, but cinematic too. DMK’s ideological rigidity, Vijay’s growing mass influence, and BJP’s forceful counter-attack have made the “Sanatana Dharma” debate a key fault line. Whether DMK takes a hard line or adapts may shape not only its own future, but the next phase of Tamil Nadu’s political future.
