NEW DELHI: Lights, camera, action — and it’s a blockbuster.Tamil Nadu assembly poll results have propelled actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay to the centre stage, with TVK emerging as the single largest party — a dramatic debut that has upended the state’s familiar political script.According to Election Commission trends, TVK is leading in 106 of the 234 seats. The AIADMK follows with 42 seats, while the DMK has 38. The BJP has secured 4 seats, the Congress 2, and others account for 8.
For the first time in decades, Tamil Nadu’s long-standing two-party dominance appears to be breaking. What began as a fan-driven movement has now translated into a sweeping electoral mandate, dismantling the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.
What worked for TVK?
Star powerIn Tamil Nadu, cinema and politics go hand in hand. Film stars are often revered, and cinema does not merely entertain but also shapes public life.Vijay’s popularity could be a key factor behind TVK emerging as the single largest party. Lakhs attended his rallies — either to hear him speak or catch a glimpse of him. The superstar enjoys support across classes, genders, age groups, and regions.He now finds himself in the company of M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, who transitioned from cinema to occupy the state’s top political office. While MGR served as chief minister for over a decade, Jayalalithaa held the post for more than 14 years across six terms.Yet, this immense popularity has not always translated into electoral success.
Kamal Haasan entered politics in February 2018 with the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam, projecting it as a centrist alternative to both DMK and AIADMK. However, the party failed to win any seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.Rajinikanth had sparked massive excitement by announcing plans to launch a political party, but he later reversed his decision.Unlike many film stars, Vijay’s supporters are organised and politically active. In the 2021 local body polls, candidates backed by his fan clubs won 115 of the 169 seats they contested.His fan networks have also acted as ground-level workers and social media amplifiers, organising blood donation drives, medical camps, education support initiatives, and disaster relief efforts.TVK has also built a strong social media presence. Vijay has claimed that his party runs one of the largest digital volunteer networks in the country.“This is not just our claim – others have acknowledged it after seeing our reach. You are no longer just fans; you are TVK’s virtual warriors,” he had said.This strong urban and youth backing appears to have translated into electoral gains.‘DMK political enemy, BJP ideological foe’In the run-up to the polls, Vijay outlined a clear political stance, calling the DMK his party’s political rival and the BJP its ideological adversary.He dismissed speculation about alliances, saying, “No one can paint TVK with a certain colour or call us a ‘B team’. Our principle is Pirapokkum ella uyirkum — all are equal by birth.”TVK positioned itself as an alternative for voters undecided between the DMK and the AIADMK-led NDA. It drew support from those unhappy with the DMK due to anti-incumbency, as well as voters wary of the NDA over issues such as the north-south divide, the three-language policy, and the delimitation debate.Anti-incumbency also played a role. The DMK government under chief minister MK Stalin faced criticism over corruption, unmet promises regarding jobs and women’s safety, and a perception of complacency.While the DMK emphasised the north-south divide in its campaign, Vijay avoided making it central. Instead, TVK focused on social justice and transparent governance, which appears to have resonated across urban and rural areas.His campaign blended welfare promises with anti-corruption messaging and youth outreach, drawing large crowds and leveraging his widespread appeal.Secularism pitchDuring campaigning, Vijay stressed that his party’s ideology is rooted in “secular social justice,” asserting there would be “zero compromise on communal harmony.”He likened Tamil Nadu’s soil to “a mother’s heart, filled with love.”“Even if lifestyles and religions differ, aren’t we all brothers?” he said, adding that true faith fosters respect for others’ beliefs.Voter fatigueThe results also suggest voter fatigue with the long-standing dominance of Dravidian majors.For decades, politics in the state revolved around the DMK and AIADMK, both claiming the legacy of social justice and Tamil pride. Over time, sections of voters felt both had grown stagnant. The DMK faced corruption allegations, while the AIADMK weakened after the death of J Jayalalithaa.TVK stepped into this space with a fresh face and a popular leader. Vijay’s film career had already built a mass connect, allowing the party to bypass years of traditional cadre-building. It now appears poised to reshape the state’s political landscape.Poll promisesAttention is now turning to TVK’s poll promises, including eight grams of gold for brides, Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women heads of households, and a pledge of “honest administration.”Though the funding of these welfare measures was debated ahead of the elections, the party has expressed confidence in implementing them. A party source said these initiatives would be prioritised if TVK forms the government.The party has proposed Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women under 60 not covered under similar schemes, along with eight grams of gold and a silk saree for brides from low-income families.Other promises include creating five lakh government jobs, offering five lakh paid internships, a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates, and education loans of up to Rs 20 lakh for higher studies.For voters in Tamil Nadu, this election was a turning point. A new party led by a hugely popular star has shown that fresh ideas can take on even the most established political forces. The gains made by Vijay’s TVK appear to have come directly at the DMK’s expense
