Tamil actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took a decisive stance during its executive council meeting on Sunday, passing resolutions that align with growing regional demands and address pressing state issues. At the top of the agenda was the Centre's ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, which TVK formally opposed, citing concerns about its potential to undermine regional autonomy and democratic balance. The party also pushed for the removal of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) from Tamil Nadu, a longstanding issue in the state. Critics argue that NEET places undue pressure on students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, and Vijay’s party’s demand for its withdrawal adds to the mounting resistance against the exam within Tamil Nadu.
Furthermore, TVK took a strong stance against the DMK-led state government’s handling of a caste survey, condemning the administration for failing to conduct the survey and accusing it of shifting responsibility to the Centre. This criticism reflects frustration among Tamil Nadu’s citizens, who have voiced the need for a detailed caste survey to understand socio-economic disparities. TVK labeled the DMK’s poll promises as deceptive, accusing it of using unfulfilled promises as a tool to secure power in the last election. This rhetoric marks TVK’s shift into more assertive opposition, setting itself apart from both the ruling DMK and the Centre.
Vijay, a leading figure in Tamil cinema with a massive fan following, made his first significant move into the political arena on October 27 with a rally in Villupuram. It was his first political address since TVK’s formation in February and an opportunity for him to outline the party’s ideology and vision. At the rally, Vijay spoke about his aspirations for Tamil Nadu, including establishing equality, promoting social justice, and defending secularism. He proposed significant structural changes, like making Tamil the official administrative language in Tamil Nadu courts and abolishing the post of Governor, a position he argued was unnecessary and a potential source of friction with the state government.
Vijay also emphasized TVK’s ideological framework, describing his vision as a blend of Dravidianism and Tamil nationalism. He identified these philosophies as “the two eyes of our soil,” symbolizing his commitment to preserving Tamil identity while fostering progressive policies that address social issues. His rhetoric emphasized a balanced approach, drawing from the region’s cultural roots while also pushing for policies that support fairness, unity, and growth. Rather than positioning TVK as a factional entity, he framed it as a broad secular platform that could champion Tamil Nadu’s interests at a time when national issues increasingly affect regional politics.
This rally and Vijay's speeches have signaled his seriousness about his political future. He appears to be cultivating an image as a politician willing to tackle issues directly affecting the people, distinct from the established narratives of the ruling DMK and other opposition parties. TVK’s resolutions have set the stage for its electoral ambitions, with Vijay officially confirming that his party will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. By appealing to both Dravidian and Tamil nationalist sentiments, Vijay has established himself as a new, formidable presence in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. As he navigates this transition from cinema to politics, his celebrity status combined with his outspoken positions could attract a substantial following, potentially reshaping Tamil Nadu’s political scene as TVK prepares for its debut at the polls.
