Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has responded to comparisons with former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), saying that even MGR did not achieve such a massive mandate in his first electoral outing.
However, Vijay clarified that his remarks were not meant to place himself above the legendary leader. Instead, he described himself as someone committed to following the path laid down by MGR and carrying forward his ideals.
“They said that even late Chief Minister MGR did not secure this much vote share in his very first election. Yet today, you have extended such tremendous support to the TVK. I am not comparing myself to MGR. MGR is MGR, and I am your Vijay, who has come to work in the path shown by MGR, Anna, and Periyar,” Vijay said during a recent event, as quoted by ANI.
Vijay’s Political Debut
Vijay, officially known as C. Joseph Vijay, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. The ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium marked a major political shift in the state. Leading his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay emerged as the single largest force in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats.
Who Was MGR?
M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) was one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political leaders and among the biggest stars in Indian cinema. MGR rose to fame through Tamil films, where he often portrayed characters fighting for justice and helping the poor.
He entered politics through the Dravidian movement and became a prominent member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In 1972, after differences with party leadership, he founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). His popularity among the masses helped the party secure a historic victory in 1977, making him Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. MGR remained Chief Minister for three consecutive terms until his death in 1987.
