Tamil superstar Vijay will celebrate the first anniversary of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with a major public event in Mamallapuram, aligning with the upcoming Tamil Nadu state elections. His party aims to challenge the established Dravidian parties, particularly the ruling DMK and the BJP. Vijay’s silence on potential alliances with the AIADMK has raised speculation about his political strategy, drawing comparisons to former successful actors-turned-politicians. His recent critiques of governance issues have bolstered support, while political strategist Prashant Kishor’s involvement hints at a strategic shift as TVK seeks to gain prominence in state politics.
Mamallapuram:
Tamil superstar Vijay is set to celebrate the first anniversary of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), today with a grand public meeting at a private resort in Mamallapuram, a coastal town near Chennai. This event, taking place in the lead-up to next year’s state elections in Tamil Nadu, has generated considerable political interest, as Vijay’s party seeks to establish itself as a credible alternative to the major Dravidian parties in the state.
Vijay has been openly critical of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level, yet he has remained notably silent regarding the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu. This silence has fueled speculation about a potential alliance between TVK and AIADMK as elections approach.
The actor’s venture into politics coincides with the height of his acting career, drawing parallels to renowned Tamil actors-turned-politicians like MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalithaa, who both served as Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.
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However, the transition from cinema to politics has been challenging for others in the state. Icons such as Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayakanth, and Kamal Haasan have struggled to achieve the political success found by MGR and Jayalalithaa, while superstar Rajinikanth opted out of politics altogether before launching his campaign.
In spite of these hurdles, Vijay’s vast fan base and his pledge of a “share in power” should TVK attain governance have inspired confidence among his supporters. His party has been outspoken about its vision to present a real alternative to the dominant Dravidian parties.
Recently, he has criticized the ruling DMK on various issues, including law and order, governance, women’s safety, and familial politics. Additionally, he has rebuked the BJP for its contentious “One Nation, One Poll” initiative.
Further fueling excitement for the event is the expected attendance of election strategist Prashant Kishor, who is rumored to have agreed to assist TVK in its electoral campaign. Mr. Kishor is known for his adeptness in formulating successful political strategies, and his collaboration with TVK could indicate a notable shift in the party’s approach as the elections draw closer.
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While TVK has not yet established significant alliances, Vijay’s reserved stance on AIADMK has led to rampant speculation about a possible partnership. Political analysts propose that such an alliance could pose a serious challenge to the DMK, especially considering Vijay’s immense popularity alongside AIADMK’s existing voter base.
The AIADMK currently stands divided, following the expulsion of leaders like O Panneerselvam, TTV Dhinakaran, and VK Sasikala. The party has experienced a string of electoral defeats since the passing of Jayalalithaa. However, it remains uncertain whether Vijay would be content to play a subordinate role within the alliance.
For the time being, Vijay’s supporters remain hopeful and confident that TVK will make a significant impact on Tamil Nadu’s political scene.