Chennai: Days after exit polls indicated that actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), could perform better than anticipated in its maiden electoral outing in Tamil Nadu, Vaiko, an ally of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), described it as a “force to reckon with”.

Vaiko flags potential impact of TVK

“The TVK is a force to reckon with, and may produce surprising results,” Vaiko said, pointing to Vijay’s strong appeal among the public.

Exit polls hint at strong debut

Most exit polls have suggested that Vijay’s party could secure a sizeable number of seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and may even play the role of kingmaker. Among them, the Axis My India forecast stands out, predicting that the new entrant could challenge the established Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by winning between 98 and 120 seats out of the total 234. At the same time, other projections have largely agreed on the likelihood of M K Stalin returning to power.

Dravidian politics to endure, says Vaiko

Vaiko also maintained that the Dravidian movement would continue to remain a lasting force in the state’s political sphere. His comments indicate that even if the TVK performs strongly, it may not alter the ideological base that has shaped Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

Vijay’s popularity and political gamble

Vijay enjoys a dedicated following across Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. He entered politics at the height of his film career and public popularity. His influence among young people and women, including first-time voters, is seen as a significant advantage.

The TVK, which is contesting all 234 constituencies, has built its campaign around pledges aimed at younger voters. These include student stipends, collateral-free loans for start-ups and a commitment to creating a drug-free state.

History of actors in Tamil Nadu politics

Several actors have previously attempted to rise to the position of chief minister in Tamil Nadu but did not succeed. These include Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan.

Record turnout and voter participation

The outreach to young voters appears to have resonated, with Tamil Nadu recording a voter turnout of 85.1 percent on April 23. This figure was driven partly by a notable increase in participation from first-time voters. However, the higher turnout may also be linked to the SIR process, which resulted in nearly 40 lakh names being removed from the electoral rolls.

Key contest in Tamil Nadu

The DMK-led alliance is seeking a second consecutive term in office, while the main opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam aims to return to power after three successive defeats. Vijay, for his part, is attempting to achieve what leaders such as C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran managed in the past by winning power in their first election.