In a surprising turn of events, Vijay, the actor-turned-politician and leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has reportedly switched his private jet mid-campaign, sparking curiosity and discussions regarding the financial implications of his transportation choices. Vijay is actively campaigning across Tamil Nadu in preparation for the 2026 Tamil Nadu State Assembly elections.
Vijay, who is known among supporters as "Thalapathy," is utilizing chartered flights to navigate the state efficiently, connecting with supporters in various cities. Recent reports indicate that Vijay was expected to arrive by chartered flight from Chennai to Coimbatore to address a campaign meeting.
While details regarding the specific reasons for the change in aircraft remain undisclosed, sources close to the campaign suggest that the decision was made to optimize logistical arrangements. The switch has led to speculation about the financial burden of using private aviation for political campaigns.
The cost of operating a private jet varies significantly based on several factors: the size and type of the aircraft, the distance traveled, landing fees, fuel costs, crew salaries, and maintenance. Industry experts estimate that the per-day cost of operating a private jet can range from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh or even higher, depending on these variables.
Given Coimbatore's prominence as a key industrial and political hub in Tamil Nadu, it is likely that Vijay's campaign involves frequent trips to the city. If Vijay is utilizing a high-end private jet, the daily expense for flights to and from Coimbatore could potentially reach the upper end of this spectrum.
The use of private jets in political campaigns is not new, and it offers benefits such as flexibility, time efficiency, and enhanced security. However, it also draws scrutiny due to the perception of extravagance, especially in a country like India, where a significant portion of the population faces economic hardships.
The TVK party has faced some challenges during the campaign. After a stampede at a rally in Karur on September 27, resulting in 41 deaths, Vijay took an 81-day break before resuming his "Meet the People" Statewide tour. For a campaign meeting in Erode on December 18, authorities imposed 84 strict conditions, including a ₹50,000 security deposit, and a ban on children, pregnant women, and the elderly attending.
As Vijay continues his campaign, it remains to be seen whether the controversy surrounding his choice of transportation will have any impact on his public image or the electoral prospects of the TVK. The party is attempting to establish itself as a "clean and pure force" in contrast to the DMK. Vijay has attacked the DMK, citing failures in governance, irrigation, jobs, safety and farmer welfare.
