Has TVK Chosen Vijay as CM Candidate for 2026 TN Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vijay named CM candidate for 2026 elections.
- TVK rejects alliances with DMK and BJP.
- Grassroots expansion plan aims for two crore members.
- TVK criticizes current governance issues.
- Vijay emphasizes ideological integrity and social justice.
Chennai, July 4 (NationPress) In a significant political development, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) announced on Friday that its President, the actor-turned-politician Vijay, has been chosen as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The announcement came during a crucial executive committee meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Panaiyur, located on the outskirts of Chennai.
More than 1,000 party officials, including district-level executives, participated in this pivotal gathering.
During the meeting, Vijay laid out the party’s strategic plans for the next few months, which include a statewide tour beginning in September and the second state-level conference set for August.
In his address to the executive committee, Vijay took a strong position against forming alliances with the two dominant political entities in the state, namely the DMK and the BJP.
"TVK will not engage in alliances for selfish political purposes. Our party will not associate with either the BJP or the DMK. If a coalition is formed in the future, it will be led by TVK and will stand in opposition to both the DMK and the BJP," he stated emphatically.
The actor-politician underscored that the party’s ideological integrity is non-negotiable. He criticized the BJP for manipulating religious sentiments and trying to create divisions among the populace for political advantage.
"While such harmful tactics may find success elsewhere, they will not prevail in Tamil Nadu, a state committed to the principles of social justice, brotherhood, and equality," he asserted.
Vijay also responded strongly to the disrespect exhibited by certain national parties toward revered Tamil leaders.
"Any party that disrespects icons such as Thanthai Periyar, Arignar Anna, or other esteemed figures in Tamil Nadu is bound to fail here," he remarked, clearly targeting the BJP.
He further criticized the ruling DMK, denouncing the proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district as ill-planned and harmful to the public.
The party also passed several resolutions condemning both the DMK government in the state and the BJP-led government at the Center for various issues, including failures in governance, infrastructure, and development.
TVK also announced an ambitious grassroots expansion initiative. Throughout July, the party plans to hold meetings with booth-level agents and aims to recruit two crore members to establish a strong cadre base. Additionally, public outreach programs are slated for zonal, district, and branch levels during July and August as the party gears up for the forthcoming electoral contest.