Chennai: Speculation over National Award-winning actor Dhanush’s potential entry into Tamil Nadu politics has intensified following a major restructuring of his fan association, sparking a war of words among key political parties. While the ruling TVK has dismissed the actor’s potential electoral impact, the Congress has alleged a covert BJP plot codenamed “Operation D”.

Political momentum gathered after Dhanush hosted a massive women's wing gathering on the outskirts of Chennai, attended by thousands of office-bearers. At the event, attendees were presented with traditional silver 'Kamatchi' lamps featuring an engraved lotus motif, a detail swiftly seized upon by political opponents.


TVK downplays impact; Congress alleges 'Operation D'

The ruling TVK moved quickly to minimize the actor's political prospects. TVK leader N Marie Wilson asserted that Dhanush could not challenge Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, while Finance Minister Wilson cautioned that relying on film icons often leads to public disappointment, arguing that CM Vijay’s movement rests on decades of grassroots groundwork.

The developments have drawn reactions across the political spectrum. TNCC chief B Manickam Tagore alleged that Dhanush’s organisational pivot forms part of a strategy by the BJP and RSS, dubbed “Operation D” or “Plan C”, aimed at creating political shifts in the state.

Addressing reporters on the actor's potential entry, Tagore explicitly pointed towards the BJP leadership in Delhi, “These are all ideologically leaning towards only one ideology, that is Amit Shah's ideology. Therefore, we feel that this new kind of party... anyone has the freedom to start a party.”

Tagore further claimed that having failed to establish a foothold through earlier cinematic icons such as Rajinikanth, the BJP is now attempting to leverage another established star's fan base to expand its electoral footprint.

 

Fan meet fuelled speculation despite actor's silence

The event, organised by the Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam (formerly Dhanush Narpani Mandram) at a private college in Thoraipakkam, drew around 3,000 members. A 49-second promotional clip showed the actor interacting with women administrators, taking photos and performing hit songs during a four-hour session.

Stage backdrops displayed images of Dhanush in traditional dhoti and shirt attire, striking poses reminiscent of political figures. However, when asked about his political plans while exiting the venue, Dhanush refrained from making a direct statement, offering Diwali greetings instead.

Reacting to the gathering, Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna criticised external influences, alleging that new political entrants are being backed by leadership in Delhi. He emphasised that the movement led by Vijay remains anchored in secularism, social justice and anti-corruption.


Dravidian parties weigh in

Other major parties also commented on the developments. Senior DMK leader and former minister S Regupathy remarked that in a democracy, anyone holds the right to step into politics, asking, “When Vijay can enter politics, why not Dhanush?” He added that TVK's swift reaction reflected concern over Dhanush's public appeal.

Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader K T Rajendra Balaji extended an invitation to Dhanush to join his party under the leadership of general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, highlighting the actor's strong youth following and screen portrayal of marginalized communities.
PTI