(Image source from: x.com/ani_digital)
C. Joseph Vijay, a renowned Tamil cinema actor, established his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and held its first state-level conference in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, on October 27, 2024. After years of speculation, Vijay officially entered politics in February 2022, announcing his intention to contest the 2026 state assembly elections. He launched the party's flag and song at their headquarters in Panaiyur near Chennai on August 22. Within three weeks, the Election Commission of India recognized Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as a registered political party. Vijay, one of India's highest-paid celebrity taxpayers, started his acting career as a child actor before making his debut as a lead star in the 1992 Tamil movie Naalaiya Theerpu. His latest film, GOAT, grossed over ₹300 crore at the box office within five days of its release. Vijay's upcoming movie, tentatively titled Thalapathy 69, will be his final acting role.
The TVK party leader Vijay has declared that his party will confront sectarian forces ideologically and challenge corrupt "Dravida model" forces politically. Vijay also stated that the party is open to power-sharing with other parties that approach them for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He expressed confidence in the people's support and said he has taken a step back from his successful career to enter politics, believing in the people. Vijay drew comparisons between himself and late political leaders MGR and NTR, and emphasized the important role women will play in his political journey. During his speech, Vijay criticized BJP and DMK, condemning fascism and the "Dravida model." Vijay said the TVK party will follow the paths laid by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, K. Kamaraj, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Velu Nachiar and Anjalai Ammal.
