Tamil superstar Vijay, chairman of the political party TVK as the leader of Tamil Nadu's nationalized political party for it and its candidate list for 2026 elections, was emotional on stage in front of a large crowd when he launched Sabarinathan - the son of his old friend Rajendran who has always worked from 1992 - as the Virugambakkam candidate for him in Chennai, Rajendran was already with Vijay as his driver - as the young Tamil people’s representative to Vijay.
The announcement was not only political because it was more than that was politics. For that was because it had to be a show of loyalty, gratitude and the value for everyday people to stay loyal, to the people and gratitude. He also hugged Sabarinathan on stage; Vijay was deeply emotional and received all of the audience in that. But for many, it was TVK’s pledge to bring them up from the ranks of an ordinary citizen and get ordinary people, so their aspirations and wishes.
Sabarinathan is a graduate mechanical engineer whose involvement has been part of party welfare. His background mirrors TVK at the forefront in selecting candidates who have real experience of day-to-day life of the underprivileged. This showed Vijay that nothing matters more than service and hard work than what belongs to family and not just political pedigree of the people.
Noting another announcement, Vijay said he is contesting from Perambur and Trichy East himself. His entry into the electoral game has attracted a lot of attention and the release of the list of candidates for television shows TVK is eager to tackle this election.
Vijay’s selection of Sabarinathan represents TVK’s agenda further as well. The party aims to appeal on the side of loyalty to voters through candidates who make promises to them; loyalty, and hard work. By bringing a humble person in from a humble background, Vijay is positioning TVK as a kind of inclusivity and a party for the people of Tamil Nadu that is all-embraced.
Vijay and Sabarinathan's embrace came across as emotional as much emotional as physical and manlike. That connection was tangible between the leader and his aide, recognition of decades of trust. To supporters on both sides, politics need only be about relationships and respect; it is so much more than about power.
Vijay’s naming of his driver’s son as a candidate is a potent statement in Tamil Nadu politics. It is to TVK the reality that they want to give young energetic and hard working people opportunities but also to end the power struggle with political dynasties. At the 2026 elections it is highly evident that this was an emotional moment in TVK’s campaign where it really struck a chord.
