Villupuram: Tamil Cinema star Joseph Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy,” made his political debut by launching a new party, Tamizhaga Vetry Kazhagam (TVK), on October 27 at a massive gathering in Vikravandi near Villupuram, around 150 km from Chennai. The launch event drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, including young fans and women, underscoring the actor’s widespread popularity.
In his inaugural speech, Vijay, aged 49, emphasized his focus on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, affirming that TVK would seek the mandate independently, though open to alliances with “like-minded” parties. He declared communal BJP and the ruling DMK as his party’s primary adversaries, framing TVK as a center-left, secular force in Tamil Nadu politics. “Communal BJP and corrupt DMK are our two adversaries. Divisive communal politics and corruption are the prime enemies,” he stated, stressing that TVK aims to offer an alternative to the BJP’s divisive politics and what he termed DMK’s “family-led corruption.”
” தி.மு.க. தான் நம்ம அரசியல் எதிரி..! “ அவங்க பாசிசம்னா நீங்க என்ன பாயாசமா..? திராவிட மாடல் என்று சொல்லிக்கிட்டு அண்ணா, பெரியார் பெயரை வைத்து தமிழ்நாட்டை சுரண்டி கொள்ளையடிக்கும் ஒரு கும்பல்.. மாநாட்டில் கர்ஜித்த விஜய்..#Viluppuram | #TvkVijayMaanadu | #Vikravandi | #TVKMaanadu |… pic.twitter.com/Ehh9eBGlzt
— Polimer News (@polimernews) October 27, 2024
Vijay’s foray into politics follows in the footsteps of other Tamil cinema personalities, such as Shivaji Ganesan, T. Rajendar, and Kamal Haasan, who have ventured into Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, though with mixed results. However, political success through cinema has an established precedent in Tamil Nadu, as seen in the legacies of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa, both of whom transitioned from silver screen icons to chief ministers.
Ideological Pillars and Secular Vision
Positioning TVK as a party rooted in social justice and Tamil pride, Vijay identified E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar), B.R. Ambedkar, and Queen Velu Nachiyar as the ideological pillars of his movement. “We wholeheartedly accept E.V. Ramasamy Naicker except for his atheism as our guiding light,” he noted, adding that the party draws inspiration from the anti-caste principles of Ambedkar and the legacy of Velu Nachiyar, an 18th-century queen who resisted British colonial forces and embodied communal harmony. TVK’s launch stage prominently displayed life-size cutouts of Periyar, Ambedkar, Velu Nachiyar, and freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal, underscoring these icons’ influence on Vijay’s vision.
In an unexpected move for a new politician, Vijay admitted, “I am a child in politics, I admit. But this child is ready to hold the snake (politics) in his hand.” With this metaphor, he acknowledged the challenges of politics while exuding confidence in confronting them. He outlined his opposition to DMK’s governance style, which he criticized as deceptive, describing it as “eloquent in ideology, dramatic in performance, and self-proclaimed guardians of Tamil culture” and claiming that the DMK leadership hides behind a “Dravidian model” mask to conceal corruption.
Sharp Criticism of DMK and Its ‘Dravidian Model’
Vijay’s criticism of the DMK was notably direct, alluding to the ruling party as corrupt without explicitly naming it. “Corrupt forces are ruling us now. They are elusive—eloquent in ideology, dramatic in their performance, and self-proclaimed guardians of Tamil culture. They wear masks. Their faces themselves are masks,” he remarked, alleging that DMK’s Dravidian model government is a façade to cover up their misdeeds.
In a jab at DMK’s frequent use of the term “fascism” to describe BJP policies, Vijay quipped, “They keep claiming they are fighting ‘fascism, fascism, fascism.’ Are you a payasam [a soft dessert] then?” His comment was met with cheers, highlighting his ability to resonate with the crowd through humor while addressing serious allegations against the state’s current administration.
கொள்ளையடிக்கும் திராவிட மாடல்!#TVK | #Vijay | #TVKMaanadu | #TVKConference #TamilagaVettriKazhagam pic.twitter.com/fJ523vyXa8
— Ilaya Bharatham (@IBharatham) October 27, 2024
Youth-Centric Agenda and Long-Term Political Goals
Vijay’s decision to launch a political party has been in discussion for some time, especially among his younger fanbase who see him as a figure capable of challenging the status quo in Tamil Nadu’s politics. However, he clarified that while TVK would participate in the 2026 Assembly elections, he would not contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections himself, indicating a focus on state-level governance. “This is not about one election; it is about shaping Tamil Nadu’s future,” he said, stressing a long-term vision for his political career.
At the launch event near Villupuram, Vijay outlined his party’s agenda, emphasizing secularism, social justice, and state autonomy, while making clear that TVK would not align with any particular party or ideology. “None can paint TVK with a certain color or call us the B team of another party,” he declared, distancing himself from allegations that his party is a proxy for the ruling DMK.
Vijay’s address detailed an action plan that includes abolishing the Governor’s post, implementing a caste-wise census to ensure proportional representation in education and employment, promoting women’s empowerment by reserving one-third of party and assembly seats for women, and opposing “varna-based discrimination.” He also committed to environmental conservation, the implementation of a two-language formula, and the establishment of “Kamaraj model schools” in every district, alongside an exclusive university for Information Technology.
TVK’s platform also includes removing educational policies like the NEET exam, which Vijay said disenfranchises state students. Reaffirming TVK’s focus on equality, he stated, “Our governance will show no differences on the basis of caste, religion, or gender,” underscoring a commitment to inclusivity. He assured that TVK’s approach to politics would avoid personal attacks, sticking to “decent political discourse.”
Controversies Surround Launch Event
Despite Vijay’s call for values-based politics, the launch event drew criticism on multiple fronts. Environmental concerns surfaced as the 200-acre venue was left strewn with plastic waste and broken chairs, in stark contrast to TVK’s emphasis on environmental conservation. Critics remarked that his supporters’ unruly behavior, including reported road rage incidents around the event, displayed a lack of discipline that TVK claims to uphold.
https:/twitter.com/er_surendher/status/1850422334760628502
Adding fuel to the speculation, critics allege that TVK has strong backing from Christian institutions, including Loyola College, Jeppiar Educational Institutions, and the Church of South India. They suggest that Christian groups view Vijay, a popular figure among Tamil Nadu’s youth, as a potential leader who could consolidate votes for secular causes. Some even alleged that Vijay was trained over the past month by the Viscom Department at Loyola College to refine his public speaking skills, including body language, articulation, and teleprompter use for public addresses.
நொறுங்கிப்போன நாற்காலிகள்…
தவெக மாநாட்டுக்குப் பின் வி.சாலை திடலின் நிலைமை!#TVKMaanadu | #TVK | #Vijay | #VijayUpdateswithPT | #TVKUpdateswithPT | #VijayPolitics | #தமிழகவெற்றிக்கழகம் pic.twitter.com/8PijeYB9cG— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) October 28, 2024
Accusations also surfaced about the involvement of high-profile international figures and organisations, including George Soros, in supporting the TVK launch. Critics claim that these groups aim to split anti-DMK votes, thereby aiding the DMK by dividing opposition support. The allegations suggest that Christian minority votes, which often lean toward AIADMK, may be directed toward TVK to weaken DMK’s opposition, allowing it to secure its position.
Allegations of DMK Ties and Financial Transparency
Some opposition leaders speculate that the DMK has indirectly supported TVK’s launch, citing the use of government machinery such as JCBs to prepare the event ground and exemptions from tolls for attendees. Initially, state authorities reportedly denied permission for the event but later reversed the decision with certain conditions. Additionally, critics have called for an investigation into the funding behind the event, describing it as a “high-budget extravaganza” and urging the Income Tax Department to probe the sources of funds.
Vijay’s Response to Criticism
Throughout his speech, Vijay sought to dispel rumors of alliances and emphasized TVK’s independence. “TVK is an alternative force and the primary force for change,” he said, positioning his party as a centrist voice with a focus on secularism and social reform. He voiced strong support for social justice icons such as Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, and Velu Nachiyar, reiterating his commitment to building a Tamil Nadu free from caste and religious discrimination.
