 Summary of this article
- Massive crowds and emotional loyalty—from migrant workers to first-time voters—underline Vijay’s appeal, but whether this translates into votes remains uncertain.
- TVK’s real impact may lie in fragmenting the anti-DMK or opposition vote, potentially reshaping outcomes even without winning many seats.
- Strong messaging on corruption and dignity, TVK lacks cadre strength and booth-level machinery—key to sustaining long-term political relevance in Tamil Nadu.
When Vijayakumar decided to return to Tamil Nadu from Qatar, where he had been working for the past three years, it was not due to uncertainties in West Asia. “When Thalapathy is fighting the battle, I have to be here,” he says. In Thirupparankundram, on the outskirts of Madurai, Vijayakumar, once a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) worker, had come to meet and campaign for a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate. “It is for Thalapathy,” he says, referring affectionately to actor-turned-politician Vijay. |
