Sources close to the actor say he is considering launching a political outfit and contesting the Tamil Nadu polls in 2026
Kollywood, as the Tamil film industry is called, and politics are inseparable. Tamil cinema superstar Vijay, who has long been speculated to be considering launching a party, is now believed to have made up his mind to test the political waters sooner than later. Sources close to the actor suggest Vijay may launch his outfit after the 2024 Lok Sabha election and, if all goes according to plan, contest the Tamil Nadu polls in 2026.
The All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, an organisation named after the star by his fans and which takes care of Vijay’s social activities, could well be converted into a political party, say sources close to the actor. “The ground is being readied. The fans have been entrusted with specific tasks. We have been collecting information on various aspects and demands of voters and the key issues in each and every area. The timing of the political entry will be announced by Thalapathy (Vijay) alone,” said a senior functionary of the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, requesting anonymity.
Vijay appears to be keen to attempt the success formula of M.G. Ramachandran, the charismatic actor and philanthropist who became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. MGR’s fan club had laid a strong foundation for his political success even though he had been in politics for over a decade before launching a party of his own, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK. Vijay’s fan club has been working for the needy in Tamil Nadu.
It was Vijay’s father, director S.A. Chandrasekhar, who initiated Vijay’s political plans in 2009. Once an admirer of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Chandrasekhar has often promoted Vijay as a future CM of Tamil Nadu even though his son had all this while shown reluctance in joining politics.
The hesitation seems to have disappeared now, and not without reasons. Vijay, according to the sources, had been reluctant to enter politics before the previous assembly election (2021) as he strongly felt there was no political vacuum to cash in on by a newcomer. Both the DMK and AIADMK had put up a strong fight in the 2021 election. The AIADMK, despite losing the election, remained a powerful entity under the twin leadership of E.K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam.
However, the situation has changed over the last two years with the divide within the AIADMK growing wider. No other Opposition party, including actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has gained strength from the perceived weakening of the AIADMK. Could this have indicated to Vijay and his think-tank a political opportunity?
Last year, Vijay tested the waters by allowing some members of his fan club to contest the rural local body elections. They won in over 100 seats. The All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has recently started a massive membership drive.
Some political analysts question Vijay’s chances in Tamil Nadu politics and point out that not every actor who took such a step was successful. Vijay and his fans, though, may disagree. If Vijay indeed takes the political plunge, it will undoubtedly cause a buzz but will also be a path full of challenges, hard work and perseverance.
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