Tamil Superstar ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay Announces Entry Into Politics With Tamizha Vetri Kazhagam

Chennai: After years of speculation, Tamil superstar Vijay officially announced his entry into politics on Friday with the launch of Tamizha Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which loosely translate to ‘Tamil Nadu Victory Party’.

In a letter addressed to the people of Tamil Nadu, the 49-year-old actor said that the process to formally register the party has been initiated. The party leader, functionaries, and the rules of the party were chosen and approved at a TVK meeting in Chennai on January 25, he further noted while pledging his commitment to “fundamental political change” with transparent, caste-free, and corruption-free administration.

Vijay is likely to enter the electoral battlefield ahead of the assembly election due in Tamil Nadu in 2026. “Our goal is to contest and win the upcoming 2026 assembly elections and bring about the fundamental political change that people want.”

The party will neither be contesting the 2024 general elections nor supporting any party in the upcoming elections.

After obtaining the approval of the Election Commission, the party will hold public meetings and events. “After receiving the recognition from the Election Commission, after the Lok Sabha election is over, our journey presenting our party ideology, principle, party flag, and symbol and our plans for the growth of the state of Tamil Nadu will begin.”

Touted as the next Rajinikanth of Tamil cinema, Vijay has acted in 68 films. Last December, the long-awaited title and initial glimpse of his 68th film, ‘The Greatest of All Time,’ was revealed.

“I have decided to complete the film I have already committed to, without affecting the party work and completely involve myself in the politics of public service. I consider this as my gratitude towards the people of Tamil Nadu,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.