Vijay’s TVK strategises for 2026 elections; eyes AIADMK voter base in Salem

Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has decided to step up its grassroots push into traditional AIADMK strongholds as part of its preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signalling a clear attempt to reshape the Opposition space in the state.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by party founder-president Vijay at his Pattinapakkam residence in Chennai on Saturday.

What was discussed at the top-level TVK meeting?

The three-hour consultation was attended by senior party functionaries, including N Anand, KA Sengottaiyan, Aadhav Arjuna and KG Arunraj. Discussions centred on strengthening the party’s organisational structure and making a direct appeal to the traditional AIADMK voter base.

According to party insiders, TVK believes the AIADMK’s recent electoral setbacks have weakened the party and created what they described as a “political vacuum” in several districts where it once enjoyed strong and unquestioned support.

Why is TVK targeting AIADMK strongholds?

TVK plans to capitalise on this perceived vacuum by aligning itself with the political legacy and public goodwill of former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. Both leaders continue to hold significant influence over lakhs of AIADMK cadres and sympathisers, and the party sees this emotional connect as a potential opening.

As part of this strategy, TVK has decided to hold a major public rally in Salem in January 2026. The choice of location is politically significant, as Salem is regarded as the stronghold of AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

The move reflects TVK’s intention to directly challenge the AIADMK on its home turf and gauge grassroots support for Vijay’s political entry.

What did the party say about Vijay’s upcoming schedule?

A senior party leader said the meeting also reviewed the immediate political calendar, noting that Vijay is scheduled to travel abroad later this month to promote his final film, Jana Nayagan, ahead of its Pongal release.

“With his overseas tour scheduled, we reviewed the next steps for strengthening organisational structures and ground-level mobilisation. While the DMK is our principal rival, we believe AIADMK voters view Vijay with renewed hope,” the leader said.

What organisational decisions were taken?

The meeting resolved to set up key committees, including one to handle electoral alliance negotiations and another to draft the party’s election manifesto.

Leaders also examined the draft electoral rolls released during the Special Intensive Revision. Party cadres were directed to verify entries, assist eligible voters who were left out to secure inclusion, and ensure maximum enrolment ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, TVK temporarily relieved Namakkal east district secretary JJ Senthilnathan from his post after a controversial video involving him surfaced on social media. N Anand said Vijay had ordered a swift inquiry and assured that strict action would be taken based on the findings.

IANS inputs