CHENNAI: Renowned film actor Joseph Vijay, who recently transitioned into politics, took a significant step today by unveiling the official flag of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). This move marks a major milestone as Vijay and his party gear up for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, scheduled for 2026.
The flag unveiling ceremony took place at TVK’s headquarters in Panaiyur, where Vijay also released the party’s official anthem. The song, composed by popular music director Thaman and penned by lyricist Vivek, features vibrant and lively music that reflects the party’s energetic spirit.
The newly launched flag, which carries symbolic significance, is a two-colored design with maroon and yellow hues. It prominently features elephants on either side and a peacock surrounded by stars at the center. The Vaagai flower, an emblem of victory in ancient Tamil kingdoms, also holds a central place on the flag, signifying the party’s commitment to success.
Joseph Vijay, who announced the formation of TVK earlier in February, had stated his intention to contest the 2026 Assembly elections. During the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, TVK chose to remain independent, not aligning with any political bloc. Although the party did not officially support any coalition, there were reports that some TVK cadres voted in favor of the DMK alliance.
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Addressing party members and media at the flag unveiling, Vijay expressed his pride and excitement. “I know you all are eagerly awaiting our first state conference. Preparations are underway, and I will announce the details soon. Today, I am proud to unveil our party’s flag. We will work together for the development of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Vijay also emphasised his commitment to the principles of unity, secularism, and social justice. “We will always honor those who fought and sacrificed for our country’s freedom and the rights of our people from Tamil soil. I believe in the Constitution and the sovereignty of India and will act as a responsible citizen who upholds unity, brotherhood, religious harmony, and equality for all,” he affirmed.
He further pledged to combat discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and place of birth, striving for equal opportunities and rights for everyone. “I solemnly affirm that I will uphold the principle of equality for all living beings,” Vijay declared, outlining his vision for a just and equitable society under TVK’s leadership.
Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy,” has set the stage for a full-time plunge into politics following the completion of his 69th film, G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). The film is expected to wrap up by February 2025, after which Vijay has committed to dedicating himself entirely to the growth and development of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay has also stated that he will not endorse any political party in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, focusing instead on building TVK’s grassroots infrastructure over the next two years.
Vijay’s move into politics has sparked widespread debate and speculation across Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Critics question his prospects, pointing out that while Tamil cinema has produced political giants like MG Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa, other Kollywood stars have struggled to translate their star power into political success. Skeptics argue that Vijay’s political journey may face similar challenges, especially in attracting seasoned political talent from established parties like AIADMK.
However, Vijay’s entry into politics has not gone unnoticed by the state’s major political players. Parties like DMK, AIADMK, and NTK are reportedly uneasy about the potential impact TVK could have on the youth vote—a demographic traditionally leaning towards NTK and BJP. Some analysts suggest that TVK could capture around 3 per cent of the youth vote, potentially drawing support away from BJP and other parties. This could lead to a split in the anti-BJP vote, which may affect NTK, DMK, Congress, and even BJP itself.
Critics also note that Vijay’s political image has undergone careful curation. When announcing the formation of TVK, Vijay initially included his full name, Joseph Vijay, on the party letterhead, only to later remove “Joseph” to appeal to a broader Tamil Hindu electorate while maintaining a secular image. The party’s flag, unveiled today, has drawn comparisons to the flags of Spain, Sri Lanka, and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), leading some to dismiss it as unoriginal. Moreover, TVK’s name, featuring the “Kazhagam” suffix, aligns it with other well-known Dravidian parties, raising questions about how different or innovative the party truly is.
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