Actor-turned-politician Vijay has been formally announced as the Chief Ministerial candidate for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections, a move that significantly intensifies Tamil Nadu’s political competition.
The official announcement was made today following a key meeting of TVK's State Administrators and District Secretaries in Chennai, which unanimously passed a resolution confirming the leadership position. This move firmly establishes the TVK as a major contender, shifting the state's electoral dynamics from a traditional two-front battle to a potentially vibrant triangular contest.
The Official Resolution and Political Strategy
The party's resolution not only declared Vijay as the CM candidate but also granted him full and complete authority to make all final decisions regarding alliance formation, election manifestos, and campaign strategies.
Key resolutions passed by TVK include:
- Chief Ministerial Candidacy: Formal acceptance of Vijay as the CM candidate for the 2026 elections.
- Alliance Strategy: The party resolved to invite and welcome only those parties willing to join an alliance under Vijay’s leadership. A Special Committee for Election Alliance Negotiations has been formed, with Vijay holding the final say.
- Core Goal: The TVK stated its primary objective is to "remove the corrupt DMK regime" and build a "new and prosperous Tamil Nadu."
- Manifesto and Campaign: A separate Special Committee will be established to draft election promises, and a strong, effective campaign will be launched to counter "false propaganda" from opponents.
Entering a Crowded Arena
Vijay, widely known by his moniker 'Thalapathy' (Commander), launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (Victory Party of Tamilakam) in February 2024. His political entry has been watched closely, as Tamil Nadu has a rich history of actors transitioning successfully into powerful political roles.
With the ruling DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led opposition already vying for power, TVK’s clear declaration of its CM candidate and its aggressive stance against the ruling government sets the stage for a high-stakes battle ahead of the 2026 polls. The party has already begun attracting veteran politicians, signaling its intent to build a formidable organizational structure.
