Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is a cultural icon in South India with massive following

The 51 year old super star has yet to make clear his position in national politics

By Kalyani Shankar

When Tamil superstar Vijay launched his political party two years ago, few expected him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He achieved the difficult transition from “light, camera, action ” to real-life cues. The State has previously been led by two other film stars, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa, whose political legacies are well-known. Unlike theirs, Vijay’s rise is more recent, and understanding his influence requires comparing his journey with theirs.

Vijay’s strategy has resonated deeply with Gen Z voters and women, inspiring pride and admiration among Tamil Nadu residents and political enthusiasts. At 51, Vijay has challenged Tamil Nadu’s main political parties, the DMK and the AIADMK, and ended their dominance since 1967.

He was not new to the film industry, as his father, Chandrashekhar, was an assistant Director. Vijay began acting in the 1992 film “Naalaiya Theerpu” at 18. A few years later, his father gave him the nickname “Ilaya Thalapathy,” meaning “Young Commander.” This title helped him become a popular hero in Tamil cinema, especially after the success of Mani Ratnam’s 1991 film “Thalapathi,” which starred Rajinikanth.

Vijay is a cultural icon in South India, celebrated for his dance moves and widespread appeal. After over three decades in Kollywood, he announced his retirement in 2024 to focus on his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reinforcing his influential cultural presence.

Vijay’s impact transcends cinema, positioning him as a significant figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. When his party participated in the 2026 Assembly elections, few anticipated the level of success it would achieve. As an accomplished actor with successful films, Vijay has cultivated a substantial following, particularly among younger audiences and female viewers. He is associated with approximately 88,000 fan clubs, similar to those of MGR and NTR, which played a crucial role in their victories. This robust fanbase was instrumental in his ascension to the Chief Minister role in 2026.

The film **Jana Nayagan** was set to release in January, but did not receive censor board clearance. The producers have taken the matter to court, putting the release on hold. Directed by H. Vinoth, this is Vijay’s final film before he fully steps into politics with the TVK.

TVK has significantly transformed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu in his very first election. However, Vijay’s initial term as Chief Minister presents numerous challenges related to politics, administration, and governance.

Now that he has donned the crown of thorns, he is facing many challenges. It may be smooth during the honeymoon period of the next six months, but after that, he must be cautious. He will need to manage the State’s financial situation and deliver on the many promises in the party’s election manifesto. He may learn about administration over time,

During his campaign, Vijay announced several welfare programs, including the ‘Vetri Payanam Thittam,’ which offers free bus travel for women. Implementing the TVK manifesto could cost the Tamil Nadu government nearly Rs 1 lakh crore annually, raising public awareness of the financial implications.

The manifesto promises to give each of 1.57 crore women Rs 2,500 per month. This program could cost the State around Rs 47,100 crore every year, according to government sources.

The TVK government wants to improve the financial situation and keep its election promises. They plan to provide Rs 15,000 each year to about 79.4 lakh farmers, at a cost of around Rs 11,910 crore annually.

The party also promises to deliver six free LPG cylinders each year to 1.85 crore households, which will likely cost about Rs 9,990 crore. The manifesto also promised a monthly cash transfer of Rs 2,500 to 1.57 crore women beneficiaries. According to government sources, the scheme alone could cost the State exchequer around Rs 47,100 crore annually. The party also promises to provide six free LPG cylinders every year to 1.85 crore households, which will likely cost about Rs 9,990 crore.

A proposal has been made for a school support grant of Rs 15,000 annually for mothers or guardians of students in government schools, benefiting around 56.25 lakh families at an estimated cost of Rs 8,438 crore.

Additionally, TVK will provide Rs 15,000 each year to about 79.4 lakh farmers for Rs 11,910 crore and offer six free LPG cylinders to 1.85 crore households, at an estimated cost of Rs 9,990 crore. Meeting the ambitious promises made during the campaign will be difficult due to the limited funds available in the treasury.

Vijay also has to find a man or woman to coordinate with the Delhi government. Will he join the Opposition coalition INDIA? His predecessor, M.K. Stalin was an active member. What would be his relation with other regional leaders? What he needs: sound advisers! Vijay has a golden opportunity, and it is up to him to hold on to his position. (IPA Service)