The inaugural conference of actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is scheduled to happen on September 22. The maiden conference would mean a large step forward for the actor and his newly launched party. This will be his first step to convert his massive fan base to political party cadres. Sources close to the actor say that they are expecting two to three lakh people, from across India.
The search for the venue for hosting the conference began a month before, when Vijay came out to speak among the students as he gave away awards to the toppers in 10th and 12th standards. Vijay’s team was looking for large open grounds in Trichy, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem and Thanjavur. The team even toured across the state to locate a suitable venue for the conference. Later it also wrote to the railway seeking permission for the G corner ground in Trichy. Vijay’s team is also said to have sent a word to DMK strongman in Trichy, K.N. Nehru and also to a senior police officer in the district, to ensure that there are no glitches.
The TVK had already started its ground work and the party had established its infrastructure in some of the districts. District and town secretaries have been appointed by the party high command. His fan clubs have slowly turned into party machinery. Vijay, while launching his party flag, is expected to spell out his party’s ideology and his vision for the state. Vijay’s fans and followers in the party say that the recent online drive launched by Vijay himself had brought 75 lakh registrations. His fan club had 75,000 units with more than 18 lakh members.
Vijay’s political entry unlike his predecessors Rajinikanth or Kamal is expected to change the political landscape in Tamil Nadu which is deeply rooted in Dravidian ideology. The GOAT actor is yet to reveal his political plans, though he aims to be the chief minister of the state. In February, when he launched his party, Vijay’s statement laid emphasis on a commitment to transparency, non-partisan governance and adherence to the values of Tamil culture and the Indian Constitution. His statement also highlighted on the issue of corruption and divisive politics.
Tamil Nadu’s political landscape always demands a deep rooted ideology and a strong, credible party structure. While MGR and Jayalalithaa proved successful, the strength of the stardom alone did not help Vijayakanth or Kamal Haasan. Apart from his stardom MGR traversed through different phases both in cinema and politics. And Jayalalithaa’s perseverance brought her success.
On the other side, both MGR and Jayalalithaa had well-experienced political faces, who were once part of a strong political movement to take their party forward. While MGR had trusted lieutenants like R.M. Veerappan in his initial days, seniors like Su Thirunavukkarasar and KKSSR Ramachandran were with Jayalalithaa. Vijayakanth when he launched his DMDK in 2005 roped in leaders like Panrutti Ramachandran, who was once part of MGR’s cabinet.
But Vijay’s party is still trying to rope in seniors from the Dravidian majors in Tamil Nadu who have a deep understanding of the ground in the state. Sources in Vijay’s team say that there are a few retired bureaucrats working with him now, in terms of party registration and drafting the basic rulebook for the party, he is yet to find an experienced political operator to build his party.
It remains to be seen, if the actor spells out his ideology and the road map for the upcoming 2026 general elections in Tamil Nadu during his maiden conference.
