In a historic political shift, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, has emerged as the largest party in Tamil Nadu, winning 107 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This victory marks the end of a 15-year reign by the DMK and AIADMK, signaling a seismic change in the state’s political landscape. The victory was largely driven by Vijay’s immense star power and his deep-rooted connection with the grassroots, making him a formidable force in Tamil Nadu politics.
Vijay's entry into politics was a calculated move, stemming from over a decade of grassroots work that began with the establishment of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI) in 2009. VMI grew into an influential welfare organization, with more than 85,000 units across Tamil Nadu, focusing on social welfare activities such as disaster relief, blood donation camps, and educational support. This extensive groundwork helped build his public image as a leader connected to the masses.
In 2021, Vijay allowed his VMI members to contest local body elections as independents, where they secured 115 seats. This success laid the foundation for the official launch of TVK in February 2024. The party’s ideological inspirations, including leaders like BR Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj, coupled with its slogan “Pirappokkum ella uyirkkum” (equality for all), resonated with voters, resulting in a massive electoral victory.
Vijay's political journey mirrors that of iconic leaders like MG Ramachandran (MGR), who also used his mass appeal in cinema to build political power. However, unlike MGR, Vijay faces a competitive political landscape dominated by alliances. While MGR’s rise to power came in a relatively vacated political field, Vijay’s success was marked by intense competition from established political players like the DMK and AIADMK.
Despite controversies, including the tragic Karur rally stampede and personal rumors involving actress Trisha Krishnan, Vijay's popularity has only soared. His ability to blend political activism with his “people’s hero” image in cinema gave him a unique advantage in reaching Tamil Nadu’s masses.
Now, with TVK’s success, Vijay faces the challenge of forming alliances to solidify his political power. His campaign slogan, “The lion in the forest,” reflects his ambition to lead Tamil Nadu with or without allies, emphasizing his resolve to dominate the political arena. As Tamil Nadu celebrates TVK’s rise, Vijay’s political journey is only beginning, and the question remains: who will play the role of the kingmaker in this evolving political game?
