India (Commonwealth Union)_ On October 27, 2024, the renowned Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay officially launched his political party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), during a high-profile state-level conference held at Vikravandi in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. This event marked a significant milestone in Vijay’s journey from a cinematic icon to a political leader, stirring excitement among his vast fanbase and the political community alike.
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The grand launch of the political party
The grand state conference of Vijay’s newly launched political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), welcomed hundreds of thousands of supporters, who remained undeterred by the scorching heat. Vijay, who has been a dominant figure in Tamil cinema for decades, announced his foray into politics earlier this year, on February 2, 2024. His decision to contest the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections signals a shift in his career trajectory, driven by a sense of duty to the public. During the official launch of the party, he asked, “What will we do making money after a point? What will I do for the people who made my life?”, emphasizing the selfless motivations behind his political ambitions.
Additionally, the launch of TVK is not just a personal venture for Vijay but represents a strategic response to the divisive political forces that thrive on hatred and corruption. With the official recognition of TVK by the Election Commission of India, Vijay has garnered momentum and visibility, culminating in the conference at Vikravandi, where supporters showered him with scarves in his party’s colors, a traditional gesture of respect and admiration in Tamil culture.
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Party vision and ideology
At the heart of Vijay’s political agenda are principles of equality, social justice, and secularism. During his inaugural rally, he criticized the current political landscape, taking aim at both the ruling DMK and the BJP. The Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay also outlined a political roadmap for his party, identifying DMK as TVK’s political enemy and BJP as its ideological opponent. He highlighted the party’s commitment to making Tamil the administrative language in courts and advocated for the abolition of the Governor’s role, emphasizing the need for greater state autonomy.
Additionally, Vijay also paid tribute to Tamil Nadu’s revered social reformers like Thiruvalluvar, Periyar, and B.R. Ambedkar, whose ideologies he plans to incorporate into TVK’s foundational principles. His vision extends beyond mere expression, as he aims to create a society where every citizen has access to essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and jobs. “All these are core to people’s self-respect,” he asserted, signaling a clear focus on socio-economic issues.
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Tackling NEET and educational reforms
A significant focus of Vijay’s address was the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a contentious issue that has deeply affected the youth in Tamil Nadu. He connected emotionally with the audience by referencing the tragic suicide of S. Anitha, a victim of the high-stakes examination process. Vijay pledged to reform the educational system to better align with the aspirations and needs of Tamil Nadu’s students, positioning himself as a champion for educational equity. Furthermore, his proposals included implementing a caste-based census, promoting proportional representation, and ensuring greater representation for women in politics. By committing one-third of the party’s seats to women, Vijay aims to empower a demographic often underrepresented in governance.
Policies and future vision
The TVK conference also introduced several ambitious policies aimed at transforming governance in Tamil Nadu. Key proposals included:
- Decentralized Governance: Establishing a branch of the Secretariat in Madurai to enhance local governance.
- Environmental Protection: Introducing measures to curb illegal sand mining and safeguard water bodies.
- Kamarajar Model Schools: Setting up educational institutions to elevate academic standards.
- Other significant policies are: Abolition of the Governor’s Role; Proportional Representation in Elections; Two-Language Policy; Women’s Representation; Exclusive IT University; Conducting a caste-based census; To make Tamil Nadu drugs free; Code of conduct for lawmakers; and Secularism, social justice, equality and democracy.
These policies are indicative of Vijay’s vision for a Tamil Nadu that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and active citizen engagement. His focus on a direct governance model and local control over education signals a departure from traditional political norms, aligning with the desires of many Tamil Nadu residents for a more responsive government.
Creating history – From cinema to politics
Vijay’s entry into politics is not merely a continuation of the celebrity culture prevalent in Tamil Nadu. It represents a new narrative aimed at bridging the gap between cinema and real-world governance. By positioning TVK as an independent political force, he strives to offer an alternative to the established Dravidian political parties, emphasizing constructive dialogue over adversarial politics. Vijay expressed confidence in the party’s potential to achieve a single majority in the 2026 elections. Simultaneously, he maintained the possibility of future alliances, promising to share governance power if such partnerships materialize. This adaptable strategy emphasizes TVK’s readiness to collaborate while remaining committed to its core mission. Vijay asserted, “We are here to work for the people,” emphasizing his party’s mission of transparency and unity. His pledge to avoid direct attacks on political opponents showcases a commitment to a more civil political discourse, appealing to voters who are weary of the prevalent negativity in political campaigns.
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Following the footsteps of……
As Vijay embarks on this ambitious political journey, he enjoys a robust support base cultivated through years of cinematic success. His fanbase, often referred to as the “TVK army,” demonstrates unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm, critical assets as he navigates the complex political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, comparing his political aspirations with past cinema-to-politics transitions, Vijay follows in the footsteps of legendary figures like M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. While recent entrants like Kamal Haasan and Vijayakanth have had mixed success, Vijay’s distinct appeal and large following could potentially reshape the political dynamics in the state.
A transformative chapter
Tamil superstar Vijay’s entry into politics signals the possibility of significant change at a critical juncture in Tamil Nadu. With Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam preparing to contest the 2026 Assembly elections, Vijay’s ability to translate his cinematic charisma into political success will be a key focus. His commitment to social justice, educational reform, and inclusive governance positions him as a compelling figure in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political narrative.
Vijay concluded his address amidst roaring applause, asserting, “My decision to enter politics is conscious, and there will be no looking back.” This statement encapsulates his resolve to lead Tamil Nadu toward a more equitable and just future, making it a defining moment in the state’s political history. As he embarks on this new chapter, the legacy of Thalapathy Vijay, both as a beloved actor and now as a political leader, is set to unfold in remarkable ways.
