At the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) first-anniversary event, actor-politician Vijay took significant steps to sharpen his political profile by collaborating with renowned election strategist Prashant Kishor, hinting at serious preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The event, held on February 25, 2025, at Mahabalipuram, marked not only Vijay's celebration of the party's achievements but also his public stance against the Dravidian giants dominating Tamil Nadu's political scene.
During the anniversary rally, Vijay's bold arrival was marked by the prominent display of hashtags like #GetOutModi and #GetOutStalin, with party leaders signing onto these slogans, effectively amplifying the urgency of their campaign against the current government. "Our leaders ignore Tamil Nadu's interests," Vijay implied, without directly naming the Centre or the state government, reinforcing his position as a critic of both the BJP and DMK.
Prashant Kishor's presence at the event added gravitas to TVK's ambitions, indicating the involvement of strategic expertise for the upcoming elections. Known for his success in designing electoral campaigns across various states, Kishor is anticipated to influence TVK’s election roadmap significantly. This partnership symbolizes a shift toward more structured, data-driven approaches rather than the previous haphazard strategies commonly associated with new political entrants.
Since launching TVK on February 2, 2024, Vijay has emerged as a disruptor, unequivocally criticizing the governance of the DMK, particularly its focus on dynastic politics and governance issues. The political stakes are high, especially as Vijay strategically avoids voicing opinions on the AIADMK, leading to speculation about potential alliances. Political analysts indicate such a partnership could dramatically alter the electoral balance, especially amid the AIADMK's current internal turmoil following Jayalalithaa's death.
Despite the past challenges faced by film stars transitioning to politics, Vijay hopes to replicate the successes of former leaders like M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa, albeit with caution against the pitfalls experienced by others such as Kamal Haasan and Vijayakanth. Historical precedent shows the difficulty celebrity politicians often encounter, but Vijay’s grassroots support from his fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), which secured 115 out of 169 contested seats during the local body elections, presents promising momentum.
The anniversary event also highlighted several political guests, including B. Kaliyammal, former women's wing leader of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), signaling cross-party engagements. Acknowledging the support for TVK's vision, Anand, TVK's general secretary, remarked on the party's growth and the people's embrace of its goals, which are firmly rooted in combating corruption and divisive politics.
While Kishor's formal role has yet to be detailed, with acknowledgments from TVK noting he will serve as a political advisor rather than just as a consultant, the anticipation surrounding how this collaboration will play out politically remains prevalent. Observers recognize the potential for both synergy and conflict, emphasizing the need for coherent strategies amid circulating views from multiple advisors.
The political strategist previously worked with the DMK for the 2021 elections but has since rebranded himself with the Jan Suraaj party. Analysts believe his wealth of experience could provide substantial advantage to Vijay, offering nuanced insights pivotal for first-time electoral participation.
While Vijay's critique of both DMK and BJP was clear, his diplomatic silence on the AIADMK raises questions about future alliances and the party's flexibility. The conversations surrounding his ambition reflect aspirations not only to enter the electoral fray but potentially vie for the Chief Minister's position, positioning TVK firmly on the political map.
Vijay's move to recruit seasoned political minds, such as Kishor, is perceived as a strategic maneuver to consolidate his standing against established rivals. Observers note it as both bold and necessary; with Vijay’s previous victories in local body contests bolstering his reputation, the upcoming Assembly elections are poised to be fiercely contested.
Whether Vijay will resist aligning himself with any major party remains to be seen. Political analysts suggest the upcoming election will not just be about numbers but will significantly depend on alliances and how effectively Vijay can translate his popularity from the silver screen to the political domain. It seems clear as TVK gears up for the battle, Vijay is ready to leverage every opportunity to cement his political legacy, drawing strong contrasts against the existing power structures and establishing himself as the voice of the people.