Chennai: With just hours to go before counting begins in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the spotlight is on actor-turned-politician Vijay and how his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) does in the polls. Tamil Nadu is witnessing a triangular contest in some decades.
Vijay has previously described the DMK as TVK’s primary political rival. He had said that the BJP was its ideological adversary. If poll projections hold on counting day, his party could find itself in a pivotal position. His party may be emerging either as a decisive force or a crucial kingmaker.
The exit poll by Axis My India show TVK may emerge as the single largest party. It is projected to win 98 to 120 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly.
If this becomes reality, Vijay may reach out to Congress. The Congress has contested 28 seats. He may also forge alliance with some other smaller parties to form the government.
He had not attacked Congress much during his rallies. Vijay’s father SA Chandrasekhar had earlier appealed to the Congress to forge an alliance.
Vijay could also look to the AIADMK, which is leading the NDA in Tamil Nadu, for support. But possibilities are less as Vijay and senior TVK leaders have repeatedly said they will not align with “communal forces.” This stance is also being seen as ruling out any alliance, involving the BJP.
But, Vijay has also hinted at his openness towards the AIADMK’s Dravidian legacy. He had paid tribute to MGR in Tiruchirappalli. This showcases his ideological overlaps.
But he has time and again stressed that he would not “compromise on ideology,” staying away from the BJP.
He could also consider backing the DMK government. He might as well negotiate a role within it, potentially even as Deputy Chief Minister. In Karnataka, similar arrangements were seen in the past, when HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal (Secular) became Chief Minister despite winning fewer seats. The Congress had backed him to keep the BJP out of power.
However, Tamil Nadu presents a different dynamic. Congress played a central role. The DMK is the dominant force in Tamil Nadu. Any such arrangement would likely see the DMK firmly in control. This will make it more complex and less predictable equation for Vijay.
If the AIADMK falls short of a majority, Vijay may be unwilling to align with the NDA. He is also having the pressure of the pending release of his film Jan Nagayan and a CBI probe related to the Karur stampede.
