Riteish Deshmukh hails Vijay's TVK victory: 'May the force be with you'
Synopsis
Vijay's surprise election debut has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu politics. His newly formed TVK has emerged as the surprise winner, leading in 108 seats — just 10 short of majority — in the state's 234-member assembly. From Riteish Deshmukh to Nivin Pauly, Bollywood and Malayalam film figures are rallying behind the actor-turned-politician's historic maiden campaign, signalling the blurring lines between cinema and Indian electoral politics.
Key Takeaways
Riteish Deshmukh and other film personalities congratulated actor Vijay on TVK 's breakthrough in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections .
TVK is leading in 108 constituencies out of 234 seats, falling 10 seats short of the 118-seat majority threshold.
Vijay won from two constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchy East — and must vacate one under electoral rules.
TVK will need backing from at least 12 additional legislators to form a stable government.
The party's maiden election has marked a watershed moment for actor-led political ventures in Tamil Nadu .
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has joined a growing chorus of film personalities congratulating actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay following his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)'s breakthrough performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Deshmukh took to social media on 5 May to post his message of support, writing, "The verdict is out !! Huge congratulations to @actorvijay on this incredible and monumental victory. May the force be with you, may you tirelessly work for the good of the people."
Celebs rally behind Vijay's maiden poll campaign
Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly also extended his wishes via X, stating, "Massive congrats to @actorvijay anna on this remarkable victory in Tamil Nadu. The people have placed their trust in your vision, and I'm sure you will lead with pride and purpose." Actress Gouri Kishan, another Malayalam film personality, posted, "Such a historic win Vijay sir. Can't wait to see the changes you're gonna bring to the state of TN. Onwards and upwards. Always with you @actorvijay." Aishwarya Rajesh added her own tribute, saying, "Dear Vijay sir, Hearty congratulations on your emphatic win in the TN Assembly elections. It takes great strength of character to achieve what you have achieved. Immensely proud and truly happy."
TVK's unexpected emergence as a major force
Contesting its maiden state election, TVK has secured recognition as a major political force in Tamil Nadu. The party is currently leading in 108 constituencies out of the 234-member assembly, where 118 seats are required for an outright majority. This represents a significant breakthrough for a newly launched regional party in a state dominated by established players.
The math for government formation
Vijay has personally won from two constituencies — Perambur and Tiruchy East — and will be required to vacate one seat as per electoral rules. Additionally, one elected legislator must be designated as Speaker, further reducing TVK's floor strength. This means the party will need support from at least 12 additional independent or allied legislators to achieve a comfortable majority and form the government.
What comes next for Vijay's political debut
The coming days will see intensive negotiations as Vijay explores coalition options or seeks external support to bridge the gap. His transition from cinema to full-time politics has already captured national attention, and the outcome of government formation talks could reshape Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Notably, this is the first time a major film actor has led a newly formed party to near-majority status in a state election.
Point of View
Tamil Nadu's two-party dominance cracks. If he stumbles, it becomes a cautionary tale about cinema-to-politics crossovers. The film industry's congratulatory chorus, meanwhile, reveals the soft power that entertainment still wields in Indian electoral narratives.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TVK and why is it significant?
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is a newly formed regional party led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay. It is significant because in its maiden election, it has emerged as the surprise winner in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in 108 of 234 seats and establishing itself as a major political force in the state.
How many seats does TVK need for a majority in Tamil Nadu?
TVK needs 118 seats for an outright majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. It is currently leading in 108 constituencies, leaving it 10 seats short of the halfway mark.
Why does Vijay need to vacate one of his two seats?
Electoral rules require that a legislator who wins from multiple constituencies must vacate all but one seat. Since Vijay won from both Perambur and Tiruchy East, he must choose one to retain and vacate the other.
How many additional legislators does TVK need to form a government?
After accounting for Vijay's seat vacation and the Speaker's appointment, TVK will require backing from at least 12 additional independent or allied legislators to achieve a comfortable majority and form the government.
Which film personalities have congratulated Vijay on his election victory?
Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh, Malayalam actors Nivin Pauly and Gouri Kishan, and Tamil actress Aishwarya Rajesh have all publicly congratulated Vijay on TVK's breakthrough performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
