Vijay Declared as TVK’s CM Candidate for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections
In a major political development, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has officially announced its founder and president, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This announcement marks a significant step in Vijay’s political journey and sets the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle in the state
Key Highlights
- Vijay is TVK’s official CM candidate for 2026, confirmed in a special resolution passed by the party’s executive committee in Chennai on July 4, 2025.
- No alliance with DMK or BJP: Vijay categorically ruled out any direct or indirect alliance with the DMK or the BJP, calling them “ideological enemies”.
- Statewide tour: Vijay will embark on a massive outreach tour across Tamil Nadu from September to December 2025 to mobilize support and connect with voters.
- TVK’s focus: The party aims to position itself as a serious alternative to the established Dravidian parties, with a strong emphasis on grassroots engagement and expanding its membership base.
Vijay’s Statement and Party Stand
At the executive committee meeting, Vijay made it clear:
“There will be no direct or indirect collaboration with our ideological adversaries and forces that promote division. TVK is not DMK or AIADMK to join hands with BJP. The BJP may sow seeds of poison elsewhere, but not in Tamil Nadu.”
He also criticized the BJP for attempting to divide people along communal lines and condemned the DMK government’s policies, including the proposed Parandur airport project, which he said would negatively impact local communities
TVK’s Political Strategy
- Solo Contest: TVK will contest the 2026 elections independently, seeking to unite voters who are dissatisfied with both the DMK and the BJP.
- Membership Drive: The party has set an ambitious target of enrolling two crore members across Tamil Nadu to strengthen its grassroots presence.
- Public Engagement: TVK plans to hold a large-scale state conference in August and organize public meetings in rural areas to spread its ideology and campaign promises.
Vijay’s Political Journey
- From Cinema to Politics: Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, launched TVK in February 2024, after years of speculation about his political ambitions.
- Public Image: Known as “Thalapathy” (Commander), Vijay enjoys a massive fan following, which TVK hopes to translate into electoral support.
- Vision: Vijay has positioned TVK as a party focused on fundamental political change and social justice, aiming to challenge the dominance of traditional Dravidian parties.
TVK’s Policy Resolutions
- Opposition to Language Imposition: TVK strongly opposes the imposition of Hindi or Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu and supports the state’s two-language policy.
- Support for Farmers and Local Issues: The party has demanded the retrieval of Katchatheevu island, condemned the treatment of farmers during protests, and called for the protection of local agricultural interests.
- Critique of Central Policies: TVK criticized the Election Commission’s electoral revision process, alleging it was aimed at reducing minority votes in the state.
What’s Next?
- Statewide Tour: Vijay will meet the public throughout Tamil Nadu from September to December 2025, aiming to strengthen TVK’s grassroots network and gather momentum ahead of the 2026 polls.
- Major Conference: TVK’s second state conference is scheduled for August, where further strategies and campaign plans are expected to be unveiled.
With Vijay’s official declaration as TVK’s CM candidate, the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are poised for a dynamic contest. TVK’s clear stance against alliances with both DMK and BJP, coupled with Vijay’s star power and grassroots strategies, signals a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.