Marking My Territory Like a Lion-Vijay
In a meticulously staged political spectacle, actor-turned-politician Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), held the party’s 2nd state-level conference today in Madurai. The event, laden with symbolism and ambition, highlighted his intent to disrupt the dominance of established Dravidian parties ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
A Packed Ground with Dravidian Legacy Icons
The conference—attended by approximately three lakh (300,000) supporters—was a massive display of grassroots enthusiasm . The venue, strategically adorned with large images of icons such as CN Annadurai and MGR, signified Vijay’s aspiration to channel the transformative waves of 1967 and 1977 .
Resolute Political Messaging
Vijay made several bold declarations:
He likened his bid for power to “marking my territory like a lion,” signaling assertive intent .
Declaring TVK’s solo path, he ruled out any alliance with BJP or DMK, stating his party would not enter into what he called “slave alliances,” but rather self-respect–driven coalitions .
He positioned BJP as an ideological adversary and DMK as a political enemy, accusing both of neglecting Tamil Nadu’s interests—citing issues ranging from the Keezhadi findings to NEET and Katchatheevu fishermen .
Contesting Every Constituency
In a striking move, Vijay announced his intention to be the TVK candidate in all 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu, starting with seats in Madurai—including East, South, Usilampatti, and Mellur .
Emotional Resonance with the Crowd
Despite the political fervor, the event had deeply emotional undertones. Footage shared online showed Vijay visibly moved by the affection of his fans and sharing a tender moment with his parents, who looked on with pride .
Underlying Tensions and Tragedy
Crowd Management Under Scrutiny
The massive turnout stirred concerns over logistics and safety. Tragically, a 33-year-old supporter from Chennai named Prabhakaran fainted and passed away while traveling to the rally. He was rushed to Madurai Rajaji Hospital, where he was declared dead—raising serious questions regarding medical preparedness and crowd management at the event .
Political Significance: From Stardom to Statecraft
From Silver Screen to Political Arena: Vijay’s evolution from a beloved actor to a political leader underscores his intent to leverage star power into tangible political capital .
Organizational Momentum:
This is the culmination of a multi-phase build-up—a year after his initial conference in October 2024, TVK expanded its grassroots machinery, onboarded over 70,000 booth agents, and professionalized its structure by appointing key figures like K.G. Arunraj .
