Can Thalapathi 's party make a dent in Stalin's DMK base?

Tamil actor Vijay, widely known as Thalapathy, made headlines recently by addressing a substantial rally for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Vikravandi. This event marks what many see as his formal entry into Tamil Nadu's political arena, which has traditionally been dominated by the DMK and AIADMK for decades.

Vijay, 50, launched TVK in February and aims to contest all 234 assembly seats in the upcoming 2026 elections. With a party platform that promises to be a serious alternative to the established political parties, he seems to be positioning TVK as a potential game changer in a landscape where about three-quarters of the electorate currently aligns with the two major parties. It raises questions about whether he could capture the roughly one-fourth of the vote share that is up for grabs.

In his speech, Vijay described politics as a "battlefield," contrasting it with the cinematic world he is familiar with. He suggested that navigating the political landscape requires both seriousness and a touch of humour, hinting at a strategic approach to confront the challenges ahead. This perspective aligns with his intention to create a party that doesn't merely replicate existing political dynamics but strives for a transformative role in Tamil Nadu.

Ideology of equality

TVK's ideology, as indicated in a recently released song featuring Vijay, appears to focus on themes of equality and social justice. The tagline "Everyone is equal at birth" underlines this commitment, while Vijay invokes figures like Periyar and Ambedkar as guiding influences. Such an ideological foundation might resonate with voters looking for a shift away from traditional caste and religious divisions, although whether it can effectively mobilise support remains uncertain.

The party also emphasises women's empowerment, showcasing historical figures like Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal as icons. This focus could appeal to a growing demographic of voters who prioritise gender equality and social inclusivity. However, the effectiveness of these messages in garnering votes will depend largely on how well they translate into actionable policies and community engagement.

Eyeing young votes

Vijay's political journey seems to be rooted in a desire to connect with younger voters, as seen in his earlier efforts to encourage them to reject vote-buying and to engage with political history. By appealing to a sense of civic responsibility, he might attract those disillusioned by the status quo.

With the stage set for the 2026 elections, the impact of TVK is still a matter of speculation. If Vijay can successfully mobilise support and articulate a clear vision, he could potentially disrupt the established political order. Yet, the question remains: can a film star truly navigate the complexities of politics and transform his popularity into electoral success? Only time will tell if TVK can carve out a significant place in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape or if it will fade into the background like many others before it.

(By arrangement with livemint.com)