By: Kuthapakam Jagannathan Srivatsan
Today could be recorded as a historic turning point in Tamil Nadu politics. Since the era of C. N. Annadurai and M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), power in the state has largely alternated between the DMK and AIADMK. Their political successors, M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, continued this dominance, leaving little room for any third force to emerge.
However, this election appears to have brought a dramatic shift one reminiscent of when MGR broke away from the DMK to form the AIADMK and secured a sweeping victory. Now, actor-turned-politician Vijay seems to be replicating a similar transformation, proving to be a "real-life hero" beyond cinema.
Despite this surge, Vijay faces a major challenge: securing a clear majority. Neither the Congress nor the BJP alone can help him reach the required numbers, and aligning with either the DMK or AIADMK would contradict the very foundation of his political campaign, which was built in opposition to these two dominant parties.
Vijay's rise has not been sudden. Since 2009, he has been mobilizing his fan clubs and engaging them in social service activities. Ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, he formally launched his political party and gradually shifted his focus from films to full-time politics. Learning from the missteps of other actors like Kamal Haasan, Vijay carefully built a grassroots presence and connected directly with the public.
The massive voter turnout over 90 percent indicated a strong desire for change among the electorate. A significant portion of voters were young people aged between 18 and 40, whose participation unsettled both DMK and AIADMK alliances. Vijay's populist promises, including six free LPG cylinders annually, ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women, farm loan waivers, financial aid for marriages, 200 units of free electricity, and unemployment allowances, resonated strongly with voters. Interestingly, these are similar welfare measures that helped the DMK and AIADMK win elections in the past. This time, however, voters appeared to favor change over continuity.
Tamil Nadu has always been a state where film stars wield significant political influence, and Vijay appears to have capitalized on this legacy. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is now emerging as a strong contender to form the government. However, in the 234-member Assembly, the majority mark is 118 seats, and TVK is still short of that number, making post-poll alliances crucial.
Reports suggest that anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK played a major role in this shift. In a surprising development, even Chief Minister M. K. Stalin appeared to be trailing in the Kolathur constituency, with more than 30 ministers also lagging behind. Apart from governance issues, controversies surrounding remarks by his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin particularly his comments comparing "Sanatan Dharma" to diseases like dengue and COVID-19 sparked widespread backlash. The DMK's perceived endorsement of such statements reinforced allegations of being "anti-Hindu," which opposition parties, especially the BJP, strongly amplified. This narrative seems to have influenced rural and middle-class voters significantly.
Ultimately, this election is not just about the rise of a new party but also signals a potential shift in Tamil Nadu's long-standing Dravidian political dominance. Founded only in 2024, TVK's rapid growth and public support have surprised political observers.
Vijay, popularly known as "Thalapathy" (commander) among his fans, has entered politics with a clear message: corruption-free governance, a drug-free society, and the empowerment of youth and women. Moving beyond traditional political divides like North versus South, he has focused on core issues such as development, education, and employment.
The rise of TVK represents not just a political event but also a reflection of changing aspirations among Tamil Nadu voters. The key question now is whether this shift will lead to a stable new political order or simply mark the beginning of a more competitive era in the state's politics.