Vijay's TVK party resolutions do not tread a new, trail-blazing path
He presents himself as an alternative to DMK, but the key question is whose votes he will truly cut into; if anti-DMK votes get divided, AIADMK could be the loser
The world of films in Tamil Nadu has thrown up yet another political contender – actor Vijay, who managed a show of strength with his fans at Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening (October 27).
Setting the stage for the battle in the 2026 Assembly polls, Vijay positioned himself as a challenger to the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, while also seeming to oppose the BJP, pursuing the "secular, socialist, social justice" line of Dravidian parties.
Hits and misses
However, he could not come up with a new agenda which could be an alternative to the DMK, AIADMK and BJP.
Even while establishing his party in the Dravidian mould, claiming to toe the line of Dr B R Ambedkar and Periyar EV Ramaswami, the founder of Dravidar Kazhagam, and late Congress stalwart K Kamaraj, Vijay hit out at "corruption" in the DMK rule which was nothing but family rule and looting the state.
He was silent about the AIADMK and the BJP, though he stood committed to secularism and made only an indirect reference to the BJP, saying he firmly opposed "divisive politics".
Dravidian model
The party resolutions in favour of the two-language formula adopted by the Dravidian parties, for caste-based census (with a rider for proportional representation according to population), social justice, call for removal of the post of Governors, show that he is rooted to the Dravidian mould, not willing to risk a departure.
In general, the party resolutions did not tread a new, trail-blazing path.
Also read: Vijay balances Dravidianism with secularism, throws in some Tamil pride
The crucial remarks came at the end of his speech, when he said though the party would come to power in the State, it would include parties which wanted to join his front, even while assuring them of "share in power" in a coalition government.
Coalition politics
This is seen as an attempt to woo parties like the VCK and the Congress. The VCK led by Thol Thirumavalavan recently wanted a share in government, which irked its coalition partner, the DMK.
In the past, some State Congress leaders too made a similar demand but it was turned down by the DMK in power then.
What is important to note is that Vijay holds out a carrot to parties in the DMK-led alliance. A break-up of the formidable DMK-led alliance is essential if Vijay is to succeed as a party.
However, at the moment, the DMK allies are solidly behind Chief Minister M K Stalin, mainly because they are an integral part of the INDIA alliance at the national and state level, committed to opposing the BJP.
Vijay vs Udhayanidhi
The AIADMK's hopes, too, are dependent on a split in the DMK-led alliance.
Time will tell whether Vijay's party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) can overtake the AIADMK and position itself as the main challenger to the DMK. If this happens, the next contest could be between Vijay and Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister and son of MK Stalin.
Also watch: Vijay banking on 'Tamil nationalism' in Dravidian heartland?
Tamil Nadu could then witness a Gen Next battle, and the AIADMK could get sidelined as it lacks a charismatic leader after the death of J Jayalalithaa.
Vijay's big challenge
The important question is whose votes Vijay's party will cut into. With Vijay pointing out that the DMK is its "political enemy", the anti-DMK votes could get divided.
If the AIADMK was banking on getting the bulk of the anti-DMK votes, Vijay's entry could play spoilsport for the AIADMK. In that context, a division in the anti-DMK verdict could help the DMK return to power in 2026.
Also watch: Vijay's speech | What TVK leader said on corruption, religion, women's participation
Vijay could reach out to the smaller parties, struggling for survival in the political arena. Now that a 'vote-gathering machine' is available in the form of actor Vijay, these parties could find in him a saviour.
Meanwhile, the big challenge before the superstar-politician is to convert his film fans association into a full-fledged political party. That is not a bed of roses. Currently, he doesn't have a set of experienced politicians to guide him.
The party's future lies in attracting such political acumen and a set of professionals who can be a think-tank for him.
