In a surprising turn of events, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has led the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to become the biggest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, reshaping the state’s political landscape. The party’s triumph was dedicated to the 41 individuals who lost their lives in the Karur stampede during the campaign.
TVK leader Aadhava Arjuna credited the party’s overwhelming success to strong emotional backing, especially from female voters. He stated that women perceived Vijay as a son, brother, and trusted leader, endorsing the party’s candidates as part of their own families. Arjuna hailed the outcome as a “revolution” that terminated the DMK and AIADMK’s five-decade rule, accusing the DMK of the Karur tragedy and spreading false information about TVK’s electoral prospects.
Reports suggest that TVK is taking precautions against potential post-election defections by accommodating party legislators in a private resort near Chennai. This move follows concerns about potential horse-trading in a fragmented mandate scenario, leading to significant political adjustments.
The Congress party has reportedly briefed its leadership, including Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, on the prospect of aligning with TVK in the evolving political landscape. Congress MP Karthi Chidambaram praised Vijay, recognizing the electorate’s changing aspirations and the magnitude of the mandate.
Vijay’s victory is seen as a departure from previous attempts by film stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to enter politics. Unlike his predecessors, Vijay orchestrated a grassroots campaign focused on youth mobilization, anti-incumbency sentiments, and a strong message of “change.” With a resounding mandate and broad support, TVK is poised to lead the government, marking a new era in Tamil Nadu politics.
