In recent months, news had been circulating that Tamil star Vijay would launch his political party and make an official entry into politics in early 2024. On Friday, 49-year-old Thalapathy Vijay (as he is known) released an official statement announcing his political entry much to the delight of his fans.
The actor-turned politician, who has named his political party Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam or TVK, said administrative malpractices, corruption-filled political atmosphere on one side, and divisiveness based on caste and religion on the other side, has hindered the unity and progress of the people of Tamil Nadu.
The three-page statement released on his social media page and to the media said, “We are submitting an application today to the Election Commission to register our party ‘Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam’. Our goal is to contest and win the upcoming 2026 assembly elections and bring about the fundamental political change that people want.
Politics is not just another career for me. It is a sacred people’s work. I have been preparing myself for it for a long time. Politics is not a hobby for me. That is my deepest desire. I want to be fully involved in this.”
The Leo star added, “You are all aware of the current political climate. Administrative malpractices and corrupt political culture on the one hand, and a divisive political culture which strives to divide our people on the lines of caste and religion on the other hand. Everyone, especially, in Tamil Nadu is yearning for a fundamental political change that can lead to a selfless, transparent, caste-free, visionary, corruption-free and efficient administration.”
Vijay has made it clear that TVK will not content the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 or support any party either. However, he is not the first person from the Tamil film industry to enter politics. MG Ramachandran, Kalaiganar Karunanidhi, J Jayalalithaa, Captain Vijayakanth, Napolean, Kamal Haasan, R Sarath Kumar, Sivaji Ganesan, Karthik and so many others, have made inroads into the political sphere.