Politics
Actor Vijay takes the political plunge with Tamiliga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) invokes Periyar
Invoking Tamil icons such as E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, former chief minister K. Kamaraj, and B.R. Ambedkar to emphasize TVK’s dedication to social justice, secularism, and women’s empowerment. However, Vijay clarified that, unlike Periyar, his party would not adopt an anti-religious stance.
Tamil Actor Vijay has officially entered the political arena, launching his new party, Tamiliga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with a bold speech at a rally in Vikravandi, Villuppuram district. Addressing an audience of over 300,000 supporters, Vijay criticized “corrupt family politics” and divisive agendas, delivering an ambitious vision for Tamil Nadu’s future while signalling a shift in the state’s traditional political landscape.
Vijay’s speech blended personal conviction with political critique, invoking Tamil icons such as E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, former chief minister K. Kamaraj, and B.R. Ambedkar to emphasize TVK’s dedication to social justice, secularism, and women’s empowerment. However, Vijay clarified that, unlike Periyar, his party would not adopt an anti-religious stance. “We won’t be taking only one thing that Periyar said – the anti-God position. We have no stake in a politics that denies God,” he said, balancing his party’s secular vision with respect for personal beliefs.
Tamil Actor Vijay’s entry comes at a politically charged moment, emphasising the practical needs of everyday citizens, such as education, clean drinking water, and healthcare. He proposed reforms, including a caste census and proportional representation to support marginalized communities. Additionally, he called for establishing a special department to protect women, children, and the elderly, outlining social welfare as a central tenet of TVK’s policy framework.
Vijay indirectly criticised the current state government and avoided direct attacks on specific leaders but condemned the “anti-people government” that he argued falsely claims to champion social justice. Referring to the DMK government’s emphasis on Dravidian identity, he dismissed these claims with humour, asking, “Are you a payasam (a soft, sweet dessert) then?” Vijay’s critique reflects a sentiment that state politics has been reduced to empty slogans, lacking tangible impact.
As the Tamil superstar aims for a political foothold, he also highlighted the need to evolve beyond traditional political communication styles. With humour, he remarked, “I am not here to quote world literature and deliver a speech like an MP3 audio playlist,” suggesting that Tamil Nadu’s electorate demands a more relatable and modern approach to political discourse.
Vijay’s foray into politics has fueled speculation about alliances with other Tamil Nadu parties, particularly the AIADMK. He appealed for public support in the 2026 state elections without ruling out coalition possibilities, saying, “Each vote should drop here like an atom bomb.” He also extended a potential invitation for the coalition, stating that allies would have a share in governance if TVK came to power.
Marking a departure from his successful film career, Vijay expressed his commitment to the people, saying, “I have come abandoning the peak of my career, trusting you, the people,” signalling a dedicated entry into Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
