Actor-turned-politician Vijay has emerged as a standout personality in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with early results suggesting that his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to reshape the state’s political landscape.

Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Vijay has emerged as a standout personality in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with early results suggesting that his party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to reshape the state’s political landscape. TVK is leading in 109 out of 234 constituencies, just short of the 118 seats required for a majority. Despite falling below half, the party can still form a government with the support of smaller regional players. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, which has been dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for decades.

A beginning that defies precedent

This is Vijay’s first electoral contest and his strong performance challenges the long-held belief that film stars struggle to translate popularity into political success. His rise has drawn comparisons with previous actor-politicians such as MG Ramachandran, J Jayalalitha and NT Rama Rao – all of whom successfully transitioned from cinema to positions of power. Analysts say Vijay’s campaign appears to be connecting with young voters and urban constituencies, tapping into discontent over corruption, nepotism and strong political dynasties.TVK’s victory could also mark a historic turning point, as Tamil Nadu could see its first government since June 1977 outside the dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Increase in major constituencies

Vijay is leading in Tiruchirappalli (East), where he has secured a margin of over 6,000 votes over DMK’s Inigo Irudayaraj after four rounds of counting. He is also leading in Perambur by a margin of over 10,000 votes against DMK candidate RD Shekhar.

rivals are lagging behind

As per early trends, AIADMK is leading on 64 seats, while DMK is leading on 44 seats. Other parties like Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party are trailing with a single-point lead.

celebration and security

Scenes of celebration have emerged outside the TVK headquarters in Chennai, with supporters gathered in large numbers, waving flags and distributing sweets. At Vijay’s residence, family members were seen watching and celebrating the results as the trends continued to swing in favor of the party. Security has also been increased in the area and police personnel have been deployed as a precautionary measure.

Party says, ‘Clear mandate’

TVK leaders have described the result as a decisive rejection of the established parties. Party spokesman Felix Gerald said the results reflected public anger over “corruption, nepotism and family politics”, adding that the party was confident of forming a government without the need for a coalition.

a possible turning point

If trends continue, Tamil Nadu could see the first government led by a party outside the DMK-AIADMK axis in nearly five decades. For now, the final outcome will depend on whether TVK is able to cross the majority mark on its own or garner support after the elections. Either way, Vijay’s entry has changed the political equation of the state.