Chennai: Actor-turned-politician C Vijay Joseph is attempting a bold political move by positioning his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as a serious challenger to the ruling DMK in Chennai, a district historically dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The TVK leader is contesting from Tiruchirapalli (East) and Perambur, while fielding his prominent party members in key constituencies across Chennai district.

Vijay filed his nomination from Tiruchirapalli on Thursday, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23. His strategy reflects an effort to project the fledgling TVK as a party capable of appealing to diverse communities, similar to his own widespread popularity as a film star.

Strategic focus on Chennai

By contesting the Perambur seat, Vijay is directly challenging DMK Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s influence in Northern Chennai. Analysts note that Perambur borders the Kolathur constituency, from where CM Stalin is seeking re-election. The move signals that the TVK aims to make Chennai, the DMK’s electoral bastion, a central battleground in the upcoming elections.

Historically, even icons like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa struggled to dominate the DMK in Chennai. MGR’s victories were limited despite three successive wins, and Jayalalithaa could only dent the DMK’s stronghold in 2006 and 2011. In 2016, after Jayalalithaa’s demise, the DMK reclaimed dominance, sweeping all 16 seats in Chennai district in 2021. Vijay’s entry now adds a new dynamic to this equation.

TVK fields key faces in Chennai

Apart from Vijay, several notable TVK leaders are contesting from Chennai. General Secretary N. Anand, popularly known as Bussy Anand, is contesting from T. Nagar, while election strategist Aadhav Arjuna is running from Villivakkam. K. Rajamohan, Deputy General Secretary, is fielding from Egmore, and former AIADMK MLA V.S. Babu is taking on CM Stalin from Kolathur.

This deployment of high-profile candidates aims to maximise TVK’s visibility and voter appeal, signalling the party’s ambition to disrupt the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that has defined Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

A three-way contest emerges

Since the late 1960s, Tamil Nadu politics has primarily been dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. With Vijay launching TVK in February 2024, analysts suggest the upcoming election could mark the first significant three-way battle in nearly six decades.

Vijay’s popularity from cinema has helped him cultivate a secular and cross-community appeal, potentially giving him an edge in urban constituencies like Chennai North. His persona resonates with youth, migrants, and minority communities, positioning TVK as a credible alternative not just to the DMK but also marginalising the AIADMK in its traditional strongholds.

Political implications

By focusing on Chennai, Vijay is attempting to challenge the DMK’s control in a symbolic and strategic manner. Analysts say that any gain by TVK in the district could weaken the DMK narrative while establishing the party as a rising political force in Tamil Nadu. The TVK’s Chennai strategy could redefine the electoral battle across the state, potentially shifting the focus from the traditional DMK-AIADMK rivalry to a DMK-TVK contest.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Vijay’s star power can translate into electoral success and whether the TVK can establish itself as a lasting political force in Tamil Nadu’s complex political landscape.