R ARIVANANTHAM
VIKRAVANDI, OCT 27
Pledging to follow the legacies of Dravidian icon Periyar, former Chief Minister Kamaraj, BR Ambedkar, Rani Velu Nachiyar, and Anjali Ammal, Tamil superstar-turned-politician and founder of TVK (Tamizhaga Veetri Kazhagam) said that Tamil Nadu’s political landscape needs transformative change. “Secular Social Justice ideologies are our ideology. It is simple. Everything for everyone. A house to live in, food for the stomach, and work for income… as simple as that,” Vijay announced the fledgling party’s ideologies while addressing the massive gathering at the maiden conference of the party here on Sunday.
Vijay, popularly known as ‘Thalapathy’, emphasised that his party was not aiming to separate Dravidian nationalism and Tamil nationalism, saying they are the “two eyes” of this land.
- The party would contest all 234 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
- BJP is our ideological opponent, DMK is political adversary: Thalapathy
- We will provide a share of power to any political party that supports us: Vijay
He marked a key moment by raising the party flag on a tall 100-foot flagpole. Standing on stage, Vijay pressed a button to hoist the flag, symbolizing his dedication to the party’s goals and values. Supporters cheered as the flag went up. He also paid a floral tribute to Tamil Nadu’s revered freedom fighters.
Firing the first salvo, Thalapathy said, “There is a group that has been creating divisions within society. Those who create divisions are our first enemy. Those who claim to uphold Dravidian ideology but are exploiting Tamil Nadu as a family enterprise are our next rivals. The BJP is our ideological opponent while the DMK is our political adversary.”
He assured his supporters there would be no ‘adjustment politics or compromise,’adding that Tamil Nadu’s political landscape needs transformative change.
“I have not entered politics for personal gain but out of social commitment. I may be a newcomer in politics but my commitment remains undaunted. Our party’s core enemies are corruption and communalism,” Vijay said.
The actor-turned-politician added, “Secular Social Justice ideologies are our ideology and we going to act based on that. After reading the failures and successful stories in politics, I have left my career at the peak and that salary and I am here as your Vijay trusting you all.”
He also accused the DMK of deceiving the public under the guise of the Dravida model, calling the DMK government anti-people.
Equating politics to a snake, Vijay said he is here to tackle it without fear but with seriousness and a smile.
“Politics is not a cine field; it is a battlefield. It’s serious. Whether it’s dealing with a snake or politics, if we decide to take it up with seriousness and a touch of humour, only then can we endure in this field and handle opponents. We need to stay cautious on the ground,” he said.
The superstar-cum-politician also announced that his party would contest all 234 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, emphasising that TVK’s campaign is a serious bid for victory, with no retreat from electoral politics.
Vijay also hinted at power-sharing, saying, “We will provide a share of power to any political party that supports us,” indirectly referencing DMK alliance partners such as the Congress and Dalit party, VCK, who have previously sought power-sharing in Tamil Nadu.
At the first political gathering of TVK, the party’s treasurer, Venkatraman, led a pledge for TVK members and supporters of actor-turned-politician Vijay. This pledge emphasised the party’s dedication to its core values and Vijay’s vision for Tamil Nadu, creating a strong sense of unity and purpose among the crowd as they rallied together behind their new leader and his mission in politics.
He assured that TVK would not act as a front for any other political party. After years of anticipation, Vijay officially launched TVK on February 2, 2024, and unveiled the party’s flag and symbol on August 22 at the party headquarters in Chennai.
Vijay’s fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), contested 169 seats in the October 2021 local body elections, winning 113 seats outperforming the parties of fellow celebrities Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seeman’s Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), both of which failed to secure any seats.
This success was a stepping stone for Vijay’s official foray into politics. His entry brings a fresh dynamic to a Tamil political landscape long dominated by Dravidian heavyweights, DMK and AIADMK, while observers are watching closely for Vijay’s next moves.
