Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, while addressing the public in Villupuram during his visit to the region, indirectly warned actor-turned-politician Vijay of the difficulty his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), would face in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Udhayanidhi, speaking with confidence, asserted that no matter who challenges the DMK in 2026, or from where—whether it is from alliances formed locally or from outside the state, even from Delhi—"DMK will win." His statement seemed to emphasize the party’s dominance in Tamil Nadu politics, dismissing any serious threat from the opposition.
This remark came in the wake of Vijay's inaugural political conference for TVK, held on October 27 in Vikravandi, a town in Villupuram district. During this first political address, Vijay—widely known by his fans as 'Thalapathy' (meaning commander or leader)—spoke critically of both the DMK and the BJP. He attacked the ruling party's governance and policies but refrained from naming them explicitly. Instead, he positioned his party as a potential alternative to these established forces. Vijay's speech reflected his intent to provide a fresh voice in Tamil Nadu's political scene, signaling his ambitions to challenge the political status quo.
Despite the political implications of Vijay’s speech, Udhayanidhi, who shares a long-standing personal friendship with the actor, chose to offer a diplomatic message. He expressed his well-wishes to Vijay in his new political venture, acknowledging their long history together. "Vijay has been a friend for many years. I’ve known him since childhood. My production house’s first film featured him, and he’s remained a close friend. I wish him success in this new venture," Udhayanidhi remarked, adding a personal touch to what could otherwise be seen as a political rivalry.
While Udhayanidhi maintained cordiality, his underlying political message remained firm. His statements about the DMK’s unyielding grip on the state echoed his confidence that no matter the opposition, whether new or from established parties, the party’s position would not be threatened. The DMK has governed Tamil Nadu for several years, and Udhayanidhi’s remarks seemed to suggest that the party's continued popularity would only strengthen as the 2026 elections approached.
The reactions to Vijay's political speech and his emerging party have been varied across political circles. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, while commenting on the actor's address, dismissed it as a hodgepodge of contradictory ideologies. His son, Karti P. Chidambaram, further expressed that TVK’s political impact would be minimal, particularly with regard to denting the DMK’s voter base. These comments from Congress leaders highlighted their belief that the actor’s party would not pose a significant challenge to the DMK in the long run.
On the other hand, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu took a different stance, suggesting that Vijay’s entry into politics might be seen as a strategic move by the BJP. Appavu pointed out that the BJP had previously courted Rajinikanth to enter politics but faced a setback when the actor declined. Appavu implied that Vijay might be filling the void left by Rajinikanth’s decision, and some within the political circles had begun referring to Vijay as a potential BJP ally. "As you all know, BJP tried to bring Rajinikanth into politics but since he didn’t, Vijay is the replacement. I’m not saying this... but this is what is being said," he remarked. This suggestion sparked speculation about Vijay’s political affiliations and his potential role in Tamil Nadu’s political future.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin also responded to Vijay’s political debut, dismissing any challenges to his party's governance. Stalin defended his administration’s track record over the past four years, asserting that the DMK government had delivered on its promises and that the opposition's criticisms lacked substance. Stalin's remarks reinforced the narrative that the DMK was firmly entrenched in the state’s political landscape and that its dominance was unlikely to be undermined by the formation of new parties.
Even before the first state-level conference of TVK was held, the DMK had already downplayed Vijay’s potential impact on Tamil Nadu politics. In August, DMK organizational secretary RS Bharathi had mocked Vijay’s political ambitions, suggesting that not everyone could replicate the success of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran (MGR), the founder of the AIADMK. Bharathi remarked that Vijay would not be able to reach the heights achieved by MGR, who was a much-celebrated figure in Tamil Nadu's political history.
As the political drama unfolds in Tamil Nadu, it is clear that Vijay’s political career will be closely watched, but the DMK remains unshaken in its confidence. The party believes that its track record of governance, its ideological positioning, and its widespread support across Tamil Nadu will ensure its victory in 2026. However, with Vijay’s TVK now officially part of the political scene, the dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s electoral battle are expected to evolve further. Whether Vijay’s influence can mobilize a significant voter base and whether his party can emerge as a formidable force against the DMK remains to be seen. The 2026 Assembly elections will likely be a turning point for Tamil Nadu's political future, with the DMK positioning itself as the dominant power and new players like Vijay potentially making a mark on the state's political landscape.
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