Actor Vijay has officially launched his new political party, named 'Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam' (TVK).
The party's introduction took place in phases, with General Secretary Anand introducing key members, including spokespersons.
Notably, the announcement strategically coincided with the Dravidian parties' plans for the death anniversary of Perarignar Anna on February 3, as revealed by Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.
Despite the formation of TVK and Vijay's subsequent announcement, members of Vijay Makkal Iyakkam hint at lingering uncertainties, suggesting there might be undisclosed aspects to the decision.
The executives emphasize that there are many undisclosed aspects behind the scenes.
Vijay's journey from his early films to recent ones reflects a consistent theme of standing against injustice.
Drawing inspiration from his fathern and Captain Vijayakanth, Vijay's inclination toward social causes became more pronounced over time.
The trigger for his entry into electoral politics came during the Marina protest for Jallikattu, where he actively participated in events like wearing a kerchief and standing with the people.
The sequence of events, from Anitha's death to the Thoothukudi shooting and recent floods in the South, further fueled his direct engagement with the public.
Examining his filmography, including 'Kaavalan,' 'Thalaivaa,' 'Kaththi,' 'Mersal,' and 'Sarkar,' it becomes evident that his films faced political challenges from various parties, including DMK, AIADMK, and BJP.
The consistent pressure from Vijay Makkal Iyakkam for him to enter politics, combined with the absence of iconic figures like Kalaignar M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa, eventually led him to fill the perceived political vacuum by establishing Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).
The process of naming the party involved discussions within the leadership.
The executives initially considered names like 'progress,' but ultimately opted for 'Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam' to emphasize Tamil national politics.
There was a sentiment to name the party 'Thalapathy Vijay,' but the leadership rejected the idea, avoiding names associated with deceased figures like Thanthai Periyar, Kamaraj, and Anna. Vijay preferred a positive name, leading to the final choice of 'victory' in 'Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.'
Vijay clarified that he won't be contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections and won't extend support to any candidate.
Instead, the focus is on the 2026 assembly elections. The decision to start the party two years ago was influenced by surveys indicating a potential third consecutive victory for the BJP.
To preempt any pressure to form new state political parties if the BJP becomes the single largest force, TVK was registered hastily.
The leadership's discussions also revolved around the need to make a substantial impact in the parliamentary elections. Recognizing that winning a single speech is insufficient, the goal is to position TVK as a key player in Tamil Nadu with an eye on the 2026 elections.
In Vijay's statement, corruption, administrative irregularities, and the divisive political culture were highlighted, indirectly targeting the DMK and BJP. Observers note that Udhayanidhi might face a tougher battle than Stalin, with Udhayanidhi's political moves centered around 2026.
Future plans for TVK include changing the title of the president to secretary, organizing grand conferences in Madurai, Salem, and Villupuram, and addressing critical issues in Tamil Nadu through statewide protests.
The narrative emphasizes that politics is not a commercial film won through fights, songs, and dialogues but a long battle. It underscores the commitment to work for the people, with Vijay facing upcoming challenges on this political journey.
(This copy was originally written in Tamil by S T Elangovan and appeared in Vikatan.com.)
