Actor-Turned-Politician Thalapathy Vijay's Party to Contest Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Solo, Rejects NDA Alliance

Chennai. Film star turned politician Thalapathy Vijay has made a major move in Tamil Nadu politics, announcing that his party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will contest the upcoming assembly elections alone.

He has completely dismissed speculation of any kind of alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Vijay's decision has sent ripples through the state's political landscape. 

List of Candidates to be Announced Soon

During a meeting of party leaders in Pattinapakkam, Vijay confidently stated that his party has not discussed an alliance with any other party. He instructed party workers to intensify grassroots work in their respective constituencies. He also announced that the list of candidates would be released soon. Vijay further stated that he himself would tour the entire Tamil Nadu to strengthen the party.

For some time, there had been discussions that alliance talks between Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had progressed significantly. Political analysts suggested that if this alliance materialized, the election could become triangular. However, such an alliance could not be formed due to ideological differences and disagreements over leadership. 

What was the BJP's Offer?

According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party had offered the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam around 60 seats and the post of Deputy Chief Minister. In response, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam demanded a power-sharing formula where Vijay would first serve as Chief Minister for half the term. However, this proposal was reportedly not accepted by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leadership, especially Edappadi K. Palaniswami, leading to the breakdown of talks. 

Now, instead of a straight contest, Tamil Nadu is expected to witness a tough four-cornered electoral battle this time. On one side will be the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's alliance, on the other, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam along with the BJP, on the third side, Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, and on the fourth, Naam Tamilar Katchi, which has long been preparing to contest alone. 

Now, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam has started finalizing its candidates. Reports suggest that names for about 60 seats have been decided, and the full list and manifesto will be released soon.

Vijay is likely to contest from the Perambur seat in Chennai, while key leaders like Aadhava Arjun (Villivakkam) and Anand (T Nagar) are also being prepared to be fielded from various seats. It is also reported that many other names, including Rajmohan Arumugam, Arul Prakasham, and P Venkataraman, are under consideration.