R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 30
In a dramatic political crossover that blends star power with electoral ambition, actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay has declared assets worth a staggering ₹603.20 crore in his election affidavit, even as he mounts a high-risk, high-reward electoral challenge in Tamil Nadu’s upcoming Assembly polls.
- TVK chief’s affidavit reveals massive wealth, zero liabilities, and a clean legal slate
- Actor-turned-politician launches bold two-seat gamble from Perambur and Tiruchi East
- Solo battle against DMK and AIADMK after alliance talks collapse
- High-stakes clashes with DMK heavyweights in urban and semi-urban battlegrounds
- Party heavyweights Sengottaiyan and Aadhav Arjuna add firepower across key seats
- DMK hits back, exudes confidence of sweeping victory across Tiruchy and Delta
The chief of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has opted for a solo contest after last-minute alliance talks collapsed, setting up direct मुकाबला against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
₹603 Crore Declaration: Wealth, Transparency & Clean Slate
According to the affidavit filed with the Returning Officer, Vijay’s total assets stand at approximately ₹603.20 crore, including ₹198.62 crore in immovable properties across Chennai and Kodaikanal, and ₹404.58 crore in movable assets.
“I have declared all my assets transparently. I have no pending criminal cases, no convictions, and zero liabilities to banks or financial institutions,” Vijay stated in his affidavit.
His financial disclosures include bank deposits exceeding ₹213 crore, luxury cars such as BMW, Lexus, Vellfire, and BMW i7, and gold holdings of 883 grams. He reported an annual income of ₹184.53 crore for FY 2024–25.
Two Seats, One Mission: Vijay’s Electoral Gamble
In a bold political debut, Vijay is contesting from Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East, aiming to secure at least one Assembly entry point.
Perambur, a DMK stronghold with a predominantly working-class voter base, will see Vijay take on incumbent R.D. Shekar, while Tiruchi East pits him against sitting DMK MLA S. Inigo Irudayaraj.
“Perambur will test popularity, while Tiruchi East will hinge on community dynamics,” a senior TVK leader observed, underlining the dual strategy.
Heavyweight Clashes Across the State
The TVK’s campaign is bolstered by prominent leaders:
- K.A. Sengottaiyan, contesting from Gobichettipalayam, returns to his former stronghold
- Aadhav Arjuna, contesting from Villivakkam, brings insider strategic experience
These contests are expected to intensify battles against both DMK and AIADMK candidates across key constituencies.
DMK Fires Back with Confidence
Senior DMK leader K. N. Nehru dismissed concerns over Vijay’s entry: “The DMK alliance will definitely win — not just in Tiruchirappalli district but across all 41 constituencies in the Delta region,” he asserted.
He also rejected claims of political obstruction: “Why would we block his campaign? It is his democratic right to contest from any constituency.”
On Vijay’s Tiruchi East contest, Nehru added: “Whoever contests, we will take all necessary efforts to ensure the victory of the DMK candidate.”
Family, Finances & Political Optics
Vijay’s affidavit also sheds light on his personal financial ecosystem. His estranged wife Sangeetha holds assets worth ₹15.76 crore. He has extended financial support to family members, including loans to his children and parents, and significant advances to trusts and associates.
His educational background notes discontinuation of a BSc degree from Loyola College, Chennai, with schooling completed through private study.
A Star’s Political Test
With over 2 lakh voters each in Perambur and Tiruchi East, Vijay’s electoral debut is being closely watched as a litmus test of whether cinematic charisma can translate into political capital.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for polling on April 23, with results due on May 4, the emergence of TVK has added a new dimension to an already complex political landscape.
