Thalapathy Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics has developed over more than a decade, moving from fan-based mobilisation to the launch of a political party ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly
elections. While his official entry came in 2024, the groundwork for his political journey began much earlier.
Early Foundations: Vijay Makkal Iyakkam and Fan Network
Vijay established Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI) in 2009 as a fan organisation. Over time, this network expanded across Tamil Nadu and began engaging in social and welfare activities. The organisation gradually took on a more structured role, laying the foundation for political mobilisation at the grassroots level.
In the years that followed, members of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam became increasingly active in local civic participation. A significant development came during the 2021 Tamil Nadu local body elections, where candidates backed by the organisation contested and won several seats, indicating early electoral engagement and organisational capacity.
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Public Positioning and Issue-Based Engagement (2019–2023)
Between 2019 and 2023, Vijay’s public engagement on governance and policy issues became more visible. He expressed views on national matters, including criticism of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and participated in public outreach, particularly involving students.
February 2024: Launch of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
On February 2, 2024, Vijay formally launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). At the time of the announcement, he said that the party would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, choosing instead to focus on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as its first major electoral test.
Ideology and Policy Positioning
Following the party’s launch, Vijay outlined key ideological positions. These included a focus on social justice, secularism and equality. He also voiced opposition to the NEET examination, citing concerns about its impact on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. At a major party conference, he identified the BJP as an ideological opponent and the DMK as a political rival, indicating the party’s positioning within the state’s political landscape.
2025: Organisational Expansion and Statewide Outreach
Throughout 2025, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam focused on expanding its organisational base. Plans were announced to appoint a large number of booth-level agents to strengthen grassroots presence. The party conducted meetings and outreach programmes across districts, while Vijay also participated in protests on national and state issues, signalling an active political role.
Campaign Momentum and Public Rallies
Vijay began actively campaigning ahead of the 2026 elections with large public rallies across Tamil Nadu. These events drew significant crowds, reflecting the scale of his public support. During this phase, the party intensified its engagement with voters and strengthened its visibility across constituencies.
2026 Elections: Independent Contest and First Major Test
In the run-up to the elections, Vijay announced that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would contest independently, without forming alliances. The party has since been working on finalising candidates and strengthening its organisational network across the state, marking its first full-scale electoral contest. With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, his party’s performance will mark his first major electoral test in the state’s political landscape.
