Vijay’s TVK to hold first general council meeting on February 26

Chennai: Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to hold its first general council meeting in Mahabalipuram on February 26, marking a significant milestone since the party's formation on February 2, 2024.

Vijay’s foray into politics has reshaped the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. When announcing the launch of TVK, he emphasised that his party would stand firmly against corruption and divisiveness. He also confirmed that TVK would contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections but would not participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, choosing not to support any political party.

Unveiling of party flag and inaugural conference

On August 22, 2024, Vijay introduced TVK’s official party flag and flag song at its headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai. Subsequently, on October 27, 2024, TVK held its inaugural conference in Vikravandi, Villupuram district. The event was one of Tamil Nadu’s largest political gatherings, drawing massive crowds and causing significant traffic congestion along the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway.

According to Tamil Nadu police, approximately 3 lakh people attended the Vikravandi conference, leading to heavy traffic disruptions in areas such as Vikravandi and Mundiyampakkam.

Political stance and party opponents

Vijay has made his political stance clear by identifying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as his ideological adversary and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as his political rival. He has criticised the DMK for being a family-centric party that exploits the “Dravidian identity” for personal gain, while also condemning the BJP for “promoting divisive politics.”

Following these remarks, the DMK dismissed TVK as the “C-team” of the BJP, alleging that Vijay’s political entry was orchestrated to benefit the BJP indirectly. Meanwhile, the BJP responded by urging Vijay to prioritise public welfare over political rhetoric, reminding him that he had received support from multiple political factions, including the BJP, in his career so far.

Electoral success and growing influence

Vijay’s political influence has been steadily growing, particularly following the success of his fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), in the 2021 local body elections. The organisation won 115 out of the 169 seats it contested, significantly outperforming rival parties such as Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), both of which failed to secure any seats.

This electoral success has bolstered Vijay’s political credibility, positioning him as a strong contender in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political scene.

TVK’s future and alliances

Vijay has stated that TVK will only form alliances with parties that acknowledge his leadership. Political analysts believe this signals his ambition to aim for the Chief Minister’s post in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

IANS