Vijay Sets Sights on Ramanathapuram for 2026 TN Assembly Elections
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Synopsis
Vijay, the Tamil cinema icon and founder of TVK, is preparing to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Ramanathapuram. His political agenda focuses on supporting local fishermen and combating corruption.
Key Takeaways
- Vijay plans to contest from Ramanathapuram.
- Preparations for the 2026 elections are already in progress.
- Vijay addresses issues affecting fishermen.
- Criticism of both DMK and BJP during rallies.
- TVK's political influence is on the rise.
Chennai, March 24 (NationPress) Tamil superstar-turned-politician and founder of TVK, Vijay, is poised to contest from a constituency in the Ramanathapuram district during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Although the elections are still a year away, preparations are already in full swing. TVK has initiated groundwork, including conducting various surveys across multiple constituencies to evaluate its prospects.
Party insiders suggest that Vijay is eyeing Ramanathapuram due to its significant coastal and fishing community. The actor-politician has consistently voiced concerns over issues impacting Tamil Nadu fishermen and has previously addressed public gatherings spotlighting their struggles.
Vijay notably spoke at a large rally in Nagapattinam against the frequent detentions of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). During this address, he criticized both the ruling DMK government in the state and the NDA government at the Centre for their lack of action.
A senior TVK leader, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: “Vijay aims to stand with the underprivileged and champion their cause as a politician. Ramanathapuram, being a coastal district frequently in the news due to the recurring arrests of fishermen, is an obvious choice for him.”
His decision is also reportedly influenced by election strategist Prashant Kishor, who currently serves as an advisor to Vijay. Kishor was present at the recent first anniversary celebrations of TVK held in Kancheepuram district.
Vijay, often regarded as the most celebrated Tamil cinema star of his generation, officially launched TVK on February 2, 2024. He positioned the party as a staunch opponent of corruption and divisive politics. Although he opted not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he has confirmed that TVK will participate actively in the 2026 Assembly polls.
TVK’s political symbolism was further solidified on August 22, 2024, when Vijay unveiled the party’s official flag and anthem at its headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai. This was followed by the party’s first significant political conference on October 27, 2024, in Vikravandi, Villupuram district, which attracted an estimated crowd of three lakh.
At the Vikravandi rally, Vijay delivered a passionate speech, launching fierce criticisms against both the DMK and the BJP. He labeled the DMK as his political adversary and the BJP as his ideological rival.
He accused the DMK of being a family-run organization that exploits the Dravidian identity for personal gain, while also condemning the BJP’s divisive agenda.
The DMK dismissed these claims, asserting that Vijay was indirectly supporting the BJP. Senior DMK leaders even referred to TVK as the “C team” of the BJP to diminish its political impact.
Despite such criticism, Vijay’s political influence continues to grow. His fan club-turned-political outfit, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), made waves during the 2021 Tamil Nadu local body elections, winning 115 out of the 169 seats it contested.
As momentum builds, all eyes are on TVK’s upcoming General Council meeting on March 28. Vijay is anticipated to reveal the party’s electoral strategy and future plans for the 2026 Assembly.
