Chennai: In a dramatic political shift, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a dominant force in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking the beginning of what many are calling a “TVK era” in state politics.
Founded as recently as February 2024, TVK has defied conventional political wisdom by rapidly building a strong grassroots base and securing a near-majority in the Assembly. The party’s impressive performance signals a major disruption in Tamil Nadu’s traditionally Dravidian-dominated political landscape.
Vijay’s journey into politics, however, has been years in the making. He began grassroots engagement through the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam in 2009, focusing on social service initiatives such as disaster relief and educational support. Over time, he leveraged this network to build a loyal support base across the state.
His transition from cinema to politics was gradual yet strategic—using his films to raise socio-political issues and later formalising his ambitions with the launch of TVK. His ability to convert massive fan following into a committed voter base has been a key factor behind the party’s success.
In contrast, efforts by fellow actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan did not translate into comparable electoral gains, highlighting the scale of Vijay’s achievement.
Despite facing hurdles—including political controversies and organisational challenges—Vijay has maintained a consistent and assertive campaign. His rise now places him at the centre of government formation discussions, with alliances likely to determine the final power equation.
The 2026 verdict thus marks not just an electoral success, but the arrival of a new political force that could redefine Tamil Nadu’s future.
