As south superstar Thalapathy Vijay on Friday announced his entry into politics, AIADMK alleged BJP's hand behind it. AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan said it was a desperate attempt by the saffron party to launch a movie star in Tamil Nadu politics after the AIADMK ended ties with BJP in the state.
"The cat is out of the bag finally, actor Vijay had political aspirations a decade ago and what's happening right now in Tamil Nadu is after our leader announced the termination of alliance with BJP for Lok Sabha as well as for the forthcoming assembly (elections) now the desperate attempt of BJP is coming to the front," said Sathyan.
"BJP tried their luck with Rajinikanth and forced him to come into politics but somehow he escaped and now the next bait is Vijay because BJP needs a face from the movie world to grow in Tamil Nadu...Good luck to BJP and Vijay, that's all we can say," he said. Vijay today floated his own party, named Tamilaga Vetri Kazham, with the eye on 2026 Assembly polls. While announcing his party's name, Vijay clarified that it won't be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The announcement caused his considerably large fanbase in southern India to erupt in celebrations. News agency ANI published visuals showing the actor's fans celebrate with firecrackers in various parts of Tamil Nadu.
A statement issued by him read, “To my best, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has been doing a lot of public welfare activities for the past many years. But a lot of political changes cannot be made only through a non-profit organisation, a political power is needed. You all know the current political scenario. Wrongful administration and corrupt politics is on one hand, on the other hand is discriminative politics to divide our people. On two sides obstacles have been placed for our development and unity.”
“All are carving for good politics especially Tamil Nadu each people are carving for Selfless, truthful Politics with foresight and non corrupt government without caste - religion differences and with good administration. Very importantly, that Politics would be based on our Indian Constitution to apt with Tamil Nadu State rights and will be based on this soil 'By Birth all are same' ideology,” the statement added. Vijay stated further that Tamil people are the ones who gave him everything and he wanted to give it back to them.
“After my father and mother, the Tamil people are the ones who have given me everything including my name, fame and money. And I have been waiting to give it back to them for a long time Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam will be the party led by me. Our party leaders have gone to Delhi to register the party in the ECI We have already written and submitted the bylaws and the structure of the party,” the statement read further.
Further, according to the statement, the party will not be contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the unveiling of the symbol, flag, the articulation of ideologies that the fledgeling outfit will seek to put forward, policies, and meet-and-greet with people will be taken care of after the general elections.
“2026 is our goal. After getting altricial from ECI and after 2024 Lok Sabha elections we will be deciding upon the symbol, flag, ideologies, policies, meet and greet with people and the proper beginning of our political jour way will begin. We are not contesting in the 2024 elections and we will not be supporting any of the party that is contesting,” the statement added.
Vijay is known for his eye-catching performances in films such as ‘Theri’, ‘Master’, ‘Bigil’, ‘Beast’ ‘Puli’, 'Thuppakki', 'Mersal', and 'Kaththi', among others. He was last seen in the action film ‘Leo’ which also starred Sanjay Dutt in the lead role. Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film received positive responses from the audience. The superstar, in his statement, added that there’s one more film that he has signed, and after completing the project, he will shift his focus to politics.
“I have one more film that I have signed. I will finish it and completely indulge myself into politics. I have been preparing myself for my political journey for a long time. I will devote myself for the people of Tamil Nadu. This is the only way I can give back to my people,” the statement quoted Vijay as saying.
(With inputs from ANI)