TVK May Support Congress In Tamil Nadu Polls, Actor Vijay’s Father Signals Alliance

Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay could be preparing for a significant political move in Tamil Nadu, with his father SA Chandrashekar indicating that the party is weighing support for the Congress ahead of the next Assembly elections.

His remarks have triggered fresh speculation about possible alliances and the broader direction of Vijay's political journey.

Congress Legacy and Possible Support

Speaking to reporters, Chandrashekar suggested that the Congress still holds historical importance despite its present decline. "Congress has a history and a legacy... Congress fought for independence and is a party that is now declining," he said.

He added that the party's reduced influence could be reversed with external backing. "They have been giving support to other parties and are declining day by day, and Vijay is ready to give them support and get them back to their old glory. It is up to Congress to take this opportunity," Chandrashekar said, hinting at a potential partnership involving the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Calls for Vijay to Go Solo

At the same time, Chandrashekar revealed that many supporters want Vijay to contest the elections independently. "People have been urging Vijay to contest on his own, assuring him of victory if he chooses to stand independently," he said.

Stressing Vijay's confidence and resolve, he noted that the actor turned politician is fearless and well placed to make an impact. He also observed that Tamil Nadu has been governed by Dravidian parties for more than six decades, adding that anyone entering politics with the aim of social reform and genuine freedom would inevitably face resistance.

TVK's Stand on Alliances and Ideology

The TVK has already ruled out alliances with both the ruling DMK and the BJP for the upcoming Assembly elections. Senior TVK leader Arun Raj previously said the party would align only with forces willing to project Vijay as the chief ministerial candidate.

Raj described the DMK as the party's "political enemy" and the BJP as its "ideological enemy". Reinforcing this stance, Vijay recently addressed a meeting in Mahabalipuram where he labelled the DMK an "evil force" and accused it of abandoning the ideals of its founder C. N. Annadurai. "Anna has been forgotten by the party he founded and the party that bears his name," Vijay said.

The TVK's proposed manifesto for the Assembly polls is expected to centre on social justice, with a roadmap focused on inclusive growth and comprehensive development across sectors in Tamil Nadu.

Controversies and Political Attacks

Vijay is also dealing with multiple controversies. He has been questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives last September. Separately, his film Jana Nayagan has run into trouble at the censor board, which has flagged certain dialogues and visuals over concerns of potential offence to religious sentiments.

Meanwhile, Edappadi K Palaniswami, general secretary of the AIADMK, launched a sharp attack on Vijay. While acknowledging his popularity as an actor, Palaniswami said crowd pull does not automatically translate into political leadership and asserted that the AIADMK remains a tested political force.

Referring to the Karur tragedy, Palaniswami alleged that the victims had gathered to see Vijay and criticised him for not visiting or consoling the bereaved families. He also firmly dismissed any possibility of former chief minister O. Panneerselvam being brought back into the AIADMK.