In a historic electoral debut, TVK is projected to secure around 107 seats in the 234-member assembly, positioning it as the single largest party but just short of the 118 required for an outright majority. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance trails significantly, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance remains in third place. The Naam Tamilar Katchi, led by Seeman, has failed to open its account.
The scale of TVK’s advance marks a profound disruption of Tamil Nadu’s entrenched Dravidian political order. Contesting independently, Vijay’s campaign, while marred with controversies, appears to have capitalised on widespread voter appetite for change.
In a further blow to the incumbents, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has lost his seat in Kolathur and conceded defeat, acknowledging the electorate’s verdict while pledging that the DMK would continue its political journey from the opposition benches.
Vijay’s political ascent has been accompanied by outspoken positions on Tamil national questions. He has reiterated support for a referendum on Tamil Eelam and voiced solidarity with Tamils on the island and across the diaspora, from whom he has enjoyed substantial support as an actor. In a recent address, he described Velupillai Prabhakaran as having shown “a mother’s love” to Eelam Tamils. However, among Eelam Tamils there remains a sense of trepidation, with many questioning whether such rhetoric will translate into sustained and meaningful political support.
He has also intensified criticism of both the Tamil Nadu government and Colombo over issues including attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen and the disputed island of Katchatheevu. His remarks prompted a swift response from Sri Lankan authorities, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake making an unannounced visit to the island.
As counting continues, TVK’s emergence as the dominant force, despite falling short of a majority, signals a potential realignment in Tamil Nadu politics, where power has rotated between the two Dravidian parties since 1967.
