CHENNAI: Tamil film star-turned-politician Vijay has been officially declared the chief ministerial candidate of his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.The executive committee of TVK has resolved that the party will never ally with the BJP, and that TVK would take on both the BJP and the DMK in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.“TVK is neither DMK nor AIADMK to shake hands and have an alliance with the BJP for selfish political interests. TVK is very clear that it will never have a direct or indirect alliance with our ideological enemies and divisive forces,” said a resolution read out by TVK president Vijay at the meeting held in Panayur, Chennai, on Friday.“If at all there is an alliance, such an alliance — led by TVK — will be against both DMK and BJP. There will be no compromise on this aspect. This is not just the final resolution, but a firm one,” Vijay added.Vijay also came down hard on the BJP, alleging that the party was attempting to divide people along communal lines.“For the sake of cheap politics, the BJP aims to divide people on communal lines and reap political mileage out of it. Their mischievous act may work elsewhere, but not in Tamil Nadu,” he said.He added that Tamil Nadu was a land where social justice, harmony, and brotherhood are deeply rooted.“Hence, the BJP will not succeed here by insulting Periyar, Anna, and other stalwarts of the state,” he said.An earlier resolution passed by the committee requested that TVK contest the 2026 Assembly election with Vijay as the chief ministerial candidate. The executive committee also granted Vijay the authority to decide on alliance matters.TVK general secretary N Anand said Vijay would begin his statewide tour from September, while the party’s second state conference will be held in August.TVK launched in February 2024Vijay had formally launched TVK in February 2024, months after years of speculation about his political plunge. Vijay made it clear that TVK would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, choosing instead to concentrate on building grassroots support for 2026.“Our goal is to contest the 2026 assembly elections and lead the fundamental political change that people need,” Vijay had said, outlining the party’s vision.Can he challenge MK Stalin?With the announcement, the actor-turned-politician has a mammoth task ahead. He not only has to steer his party to an impressive performance in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, but also challenge the might of the ruling DMK in his bid to dethrone CM MK Stalin.For a new party launched just last year, it appears to be a Herculean task. However, given the actor’s popularity, the organisation might spring a surprise.
About the Author
