Days after Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay held his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s first state conference at Vikravandi town in Villuppuram district, the reactions from across the political spectrum of Tamil Nadu to his political plunge seem to be a mix of caution, dismissal and acknowledgment.
The massive Sunday rally marked the formal launch of the TVK floated by the Tamil superstar, popularly known among his fans as “Thalapathy (commander)”, in an apparent bid to contest the next Assembly polls.
Addressing the TVK conclave, attended by over three lakh people, Vijay targeted both the BJP-led central government and the DMK-led state government, indicating his party’s anti-caste, secular ideology while asserting that “Dravidam and nationalism are the two eyes of our ideology”. He said his party would embrace the ideology of Tamil icons like Periyar, but without “the anti-God position”.
The leaders from the two leading Dravidian parties, the ruling DMK and the principal Opposition AIADMK, as well as several other players appear to be weighing the implications of Vijay’s entry into the crowded state political arena, looking into the takeaways and fine print from his speech.
AIADMK general secretary and ex-chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami or EPS projected a confident stance, asserting that the TVK would not eat into his party’s votes. “He (Vijay) will not cut into AIADMK votes. We have never watered down our ideology,” EPS said, adding that the alliances would be decided closer to the 2026 Assembly elections based on the “political situation”.
EPS’s remarks came amid speculation that Vijay’s pitch for “power-sharing in government” was meant as overtures to the AIADMK for an alliance. Vijay also spared the AIADMK from his criticism. EPS, however, brushed aside such a buzz, telling reporters that “I can’t answer questions that come out of your imagination.”
The DMK, which took the brunt of Vijay’s attack, sought to downplay it. Vijay had criticised the M K Stalin government’s “Dravidian model” as a “facade for corrupt governance” and mocked those claiming to fight fascism without real action.
Both DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi and party leader EVKS Elangovan dismissed Vijay’s charges. Bharathi said, “A tree that bears fruit will be stoned”. Elangovan said “He (Vijay) was trying to copy all our policies.”
Stalin’s son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi side-stepped questions about Vijay’s entry into state politics, saying he would “comment after seeing his speech”.
Several DMK leaders sounded cautious, looking to consider any possible impact Vijay may have on the anti-DMK vote base.
BJP leader and Union minister L Murugan joined issue with Vijay over his remarks against communal and divisive politics, questioning his grasp of national issues. “It is clear that Vijay is just the opposite of our ideology, and he lacks clarity in his political plans,” Murugan said, referring to the BJP’s criticism of what it sees as the DMK’s “dynasty politics”.
A DMK ally Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Dalit leader Thol Thirumavalavan, was however not so dismissive. VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna welcomed Vijay’s call for “power-sharing”, saying it echoed his party’s position. “Our party’s stand on share in power has started echoing across the state,” Arjuna said.
Another DMK ally Congress was also circumspect in its reaction to Vijay’s speech. Downplaying speculation of any alignment between Vijay and his party, state Congress president K Selvaperunthagai said there was already a “powerful national alliance” in the form of the INDIA bloc. On Vijay’s reported proximity to Rahul Gandhi, he said, “It is true that Vijay is close to Rahul Gandhi. But friendship is different from politics,” reiterating that the Congress would remain committed to the INDIA coalition.
Many in state political circles feel that Vijay’s “strategic silence” on the AIADMK may indicate a bid to position TVK as a “viable alternative to both DMK and BJP”. Several AIADMK leaders however refrained from commenting on Vijay’s speech or his mammoth rally, saying that they would watch the unfolding situation.
When asked about the “unease” in the ruling alliance, a top government source who has closely tracked Vijay’s journey, said the mixed reactions were expected. “All these are part of the script. Vijay will face questions and evolve. If he is against corruption, why was he questioned by the ED over investment issues a few years ago? If family dynasty is his issue, wasn’t it his father’s position as a film director that helped launch his career? And didn’t his superstar status secure a premium direction contract for his son at a young age?” the DMK source asked.
“Vijay will have to answer these questions as he navigates politics. The real challenge lies in his consistency, not in these questions or answers. Now, as he heads off for a film shoot in two days, returning only in January, he will end up issuing just Pongal greetings after this mega rally. Vijay faces a critical test. If he believes he can juggle politics while maintaining his high-profile, private lifestyle without engaging directly with the people, reality will catch up with him soon,” the source said.
Amid these varied reactions, Vijay penned a four-page letter to his supporters, thanking them for turning up in large numbers at the rally.
He acknowledged the criticism his party would face going forward, but urged his followers to focus on their core mission. “After the conference, I expect people to criticise us more, and we should only take constructive advice seriously,” he stated.