Tamil Nadu, May 05 (V7N) — A major political shift appears underway in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, where actor-turned-politician Vijay is leading his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), toward a historic electoral breakthrough despite past controversy surrounding a deadly crowd incident.

According to the Election Commission of India, as reported by Hindustan Times, TVK has won 89 of the 234 assembly seats and is leading in 19 more. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, has secured 55 seats and is ahead in 13 others. Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has won 38 seats and is leading in 18 constituencies, with other parties ahead in two seats.

The election comes months after a tragic stampede at a massive political rally in Karur in September 2025, where more than 40 people were killed and many others injured amid overwhelming crowd pressure. While the incident briefly raised concerns about the intensity of fan-driven politics, it did not significantly dent Vijay’s growing political appeal.

The results reflect strong grassroots support for TVK, particularly among women, youth, and first-time voters. The party’s manifesto focused on welfare and structural reforms, including a monthly stipend of 2,500 rupees for women, 10,000 rupees for unemployed graduates, cooperative farm loan waivers, and the creation of a dedicated artificial intelligence ministry. Additional proposals include unsecured education loans of up to 2 million rupees, skill development programs, and employment generation initiatives targeting 500,000 rural youth.

Vijay’s political rise has been years in the making. Since 2009, he has systematically transformed his fan base into an organized grassroots network known as Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which played a key role in building local engagement and social outreach. The network demonstrated early electoral potential during the 2021 local body elections, proving its ability to convert popularity into votes.

His messaging has increasingly centered on governance, unemployment, education, and anti-corruption, resonating strongly with urban and younger voters. By the time he formally launched TVK in 2024, Vijay had positioned himself as a credible alternative to both DMK and AIADMK, opting to contest independently rather than forming alliances.

In December 2025, Vijay announced his retirement from cinema after a three-decade career to fully commit to politics, marking a decisive turning point. Since then, TVK has rapidly expanded its organizational structure down to district and booth levels, strengthening its campaign on accountability and systemic reform.

Observers have drawn comparisons between Vijay and legendary actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran, who came to power in 1977. However, analysts note that Vijay’s rise is rooted less in personality-driven populism and more in voter fatigue with traditional parties and the aspirations of a younger generation. Unlike J. Jayalalithaa, who inherited an established political structure, Vijay has built his movement from the ground up.

With counting still ongoing, TVK’s performance signals a potential realignment in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging decades of dominance by Dravidian parties and marking the emergence of a powerful new political force.

TVK Surges in Tamil Nadu, Vijay Nears Historic Electoral Breakthrough