Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has taken a dig at actor Vijay's recent political moves, asserting that Tamil Nadu is not a fertile ground for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This statement comes amidst rising political activity in the state, with Vijay, now the head of his own party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), embarking on a statewide tour and openly criticizing both the ruling DMK and the BJP.

Stalin's comments, though not explicitly naming Vijay, are widely interpreted as a response to the actor's growing political influence and his recent rally in Trichy, where large crowds gathered to greet him. Stalin emphasized that the DMK is a disciplined movement that preserves the state's unique identity without disrupting public tranquility. He subtly contrasted this with Vijay's rallies, where enthusiastic fans have been known to cause disturbances. DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan even went so far as to call Vijay a "weekend politician".

Vijay, on his part, has been increasingly critical of the DMK government, accusing it of failing to fulfill its election promises to women, government employees, and other sections of the population. He has also targeted the BJP, suggesting that the party is using tactics to undermine the opposition and that it has not delivered on its promises. In a pointed remark, Vijay questioned, "Do you have a plan to make corrupt, people-less parties bend to you and continue your luxury ride till 2029?". He further added that the people of Tamil Nadu will not support the BJP, which "could not even win a single MP seat, so it is now resorting to deceit".

The political climate in Tamil Nadu is heating up as the 2026 Assembly elections approach. Vijay's entry into politics has added a new dimension to the existing dynamics, with many seeing him as a potential challenger to both the DMK and the AIADMK. His rallies have attracted significant attention, particularly among youth and women, signaling a potential shift in the state's political landscape. Vijay's strategy seems to be aimed at capturing disillusioned cadres of the AIADMK and Vijayakanth's DMDK, as well as minority voters and anti-BJP segments. He has also invoked the name of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), the founder of the AIADMK, in an attempt to woo the Dravidian party's disaffected base.

Stalin's recent statements also reflect the DMK's broader strategy of positioning itself as a protector of Tamil Nadu's interests against the central government. He has accused the BJP-led Union government of imposing financial constraints on the state and failing to fulfill its electoral promises. Stalin has also asserted that a government supporting Tamil Nadu will eventually come to power at the center. This narrative aims to consolidate support for the DMK by portraying it as the defender of Tamil Nadu's identity and autonomy.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Tamil Nadu politics. Vijay's ability to translate his popularity into political support remains to be seen, and the DMK will likely intensify its efforts to counter his growing influence. The AIADMK, weakened by internal divisions, also faces the challenge of maintaining its relevance in the face of these emerging forces. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, Tamil Nadu is poised for a period of intense political competition and realignment.