Vijay Pays Homage to Ambedkar on Birth Anniversary
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Synopsis
On April 14, Tamil actor and politician Vijay commemorated Dr B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary by paying floral tributes at his statue in Chennai. This act underscores Vijay's commitment to honoring Ambedkar's ideological impact on his political movement.
Key Takeaways
- Vijay paid homage to Dr B.R. Ambedkar in Chennai.
- TVK aims to combat corruption and divisive politics.
- Vijay's political movement supports marginalized Dalit communities.
- His security is now handled by the CRPF.
- TVK plans to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Chennai, April 14 (NationPress) TVK president and renowned actor Vijay offered floral tributes to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary on Monday.
This tribute occurred at the Ambedkar statue in Pallavakkam, Chennai, where Vijay laid down flowers and garlands in honor of the esteemed leader.
Vijay has repeatedly acknowledged Dr Ambedkar as a fundamental ideological figure in his political journey. During the first state-level conference of TVK last year, he referred to Ambedkar as a "guiding light" for the party.
It is noteworthy that at his inaugural public rally held on October 24, 2024, in Vikkaravandi, Villupuram district -- which attracted a crowd exceeding three lakh people -- the stage prominently featured images of legendary Tamil leaders and social reformers, including E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, Rani Velu Nachiyar, K. Kamaraj, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
Since the establishment of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on February 2, 2024, Vijay has positioned the party as a platform advocating against corruption and divisive politics.
Although he opted not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he has confirmed that TVK will actively participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Vijay’s political journey has garnered considerable attention for his vocal support of marginalized Dalit communities in the state, despite some of his political statements inciting debate over perceived contradictions.
His political influence has been on the rise. In the 2021 local body elections, his fan club -- All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI) -- secured 115 out of the 169 seats it contested. This achievement exceeded other celebrity-led parties such as Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), both of which failed to win any seats.
Vijay has made it clear that TVK will only form alliances with parties willing to accept his leadership, emphasizing his ambition to emerge as a formidable contender for the Chief Minister’s position in the 2026 elections.
In a noteworthy development, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has officially taken over Vijay’s security. This follows a decision by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in February to grant him ‘Y’ category security based on a threat perception report from central intelligence agencies. This security detail will be in effect throughout Tamil Nadu and includes 24/7 protection by Personal Security Officers (PSOs), an armed guard at his residence, and security at other locations he visits.
The CRPF’s VIP security unit has now assumed responsibility for this task. Under the ‘Y’ category protocol, Vijay will be accompanied by a team of seven to eight armed CRPF personnel, including two commandos, along with two security vehicles and additional local police support when necessary.
