Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as a major force in its electoral debut, leading in 109 of the 234 Assembly seats as counting trends stood at around 2 pm. The early numbersa significant disruption to the long-standing dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

According to the latest trends, AIADMK was ahead in 57 seats, while the ruling DMK led in 49. The Indian National Congress was leading in four constituencies, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in one. If sustained, these numbers could mark a decisive shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, where power has traditionally alternated between the DMK and AIADMK.

Vijay’s rapid rise has been attributed to his widespread popularity as a film star and his ability to channel that appeal into political mobilisation. Despite being new to electoral politics, he appears to have tapped into a growing appetite for change among voters seeking an alternative to the established parties. His campaign leveraged an extensive grassroots network built through fan clubs, many of which were reorganised into a political support base.

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These fan clubs, operating under the banner of “Vijay Makkal Iyakkam,” played a central role in amplifying the party’s message across the state. Party leaders credited the “young, unrelenting” cadre for ensuring outreach at the local level, with volunteers actively engaging voters and promoting the party’s agenda in both urban and rural constituencies.

Launched in February 2024, TVK positioned itself around themes of equality and inclusivity, reflected in its tagline “Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkum,” meaning all are equal by birth. The party also emphasised candidate selection based on grassroots connect and winnability, announcing a full slate of 234 candidates, including 26 women. Vijay framed the election as a contest between what he described as a “people’s alliance” and the incumbent DMK government, a narrative that appears to have resonated with a significant section of the electorate.

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