Actor‑turned‑politician Vijay has disrupted Tamil Nadu’s political landscape with the launch of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam , staking a claim as a direct challenger to both the ruling DMK and the traditional opposition AIADMK. This rivalry isn’t just about votes — it could redefine power equations in the 2026 Assembly election.
Vijay’s Independent Bet No Alliance, Full Autonomy
Vijay has made it clear that he does not intend to align with any major party. At TVK’s second state conference in Madurai, he declared there would be no alliance with either the BJP, which he calls an “ideological enemy,” or the DMK, his “political enemy.” This insistence on going solo gives him more control over TVK’s direction and strength, and it signals that he is building a political force rooted in his own influence rather than relying on established party machinery.
Some analysts argue this strategy allows Vijay to test his real political base. By avoiding alliances, he can more accurately measure TVK’s strength and appeal before making any power-sharing deal.
AIADMK Feels the Heat: Is It Being Sidelined?
Vijay’s rise has sent shockwaves through the AIADMK camp. AIADMK leaders have been critical of Vijay’s ideological positioning. Kovai Sathyan, a spokesperson, accused TVK of being a “cocktail ideology,” calling it “old wine in a new bottle” a mix of existing Dravidian narratives repackaged for political gains.
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