Kanimozhi, the Deputy General Secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and a Member of Parliament, celebrated her 58th birthday on January 5, 2026. While birthday wishes from party members and leaders are customary, a particular video and phone call have ignited discussions within the DMK, sparking speculation about a potential power play and Kanimozhi's future role in Tamil Nadu politics.
Traditionally, Kanimozhi marks her birthday by paying respects at the memorials of Perarignar Anna and Mutaamizhar Kalaignar Karunanidhi at Marina Beach in Chennai. Political leaders also visit her to extend their greetings. However, this year, attention has been drawn to a specific birthday video and a phone call from actor Vijay, which have stirred the political pot.
Actor Vijay, who has been known to express critical views of Chief Minister Stalin, including addressing him with a mocking tone, called Kanimozhi to wish her a happy birthday. He wished her a wonderful birthday and success in all her endeavors. This phone call has led to considerable debate and raised eyebrows, especially at a time when Kanimozhi is reportedly focusing on Tamil Nadu politics.
Sources suggest that Kanimozhi is considering a shift from national to state politics. There are unconfirmed reports that she may contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Tiruchendur constituency. This speculation is further fueled by the recent DMK Western Region Women's Wing conference, named "Vellum Tamizh Pengal" (Victorious Tamil Women), where Kanimozhi was prominently featured.
For many years, Kanimozhi has been actively involved in national politics. This potential move indicates a significant shift towards state-level electoral politics. According to sources, Kanimozhi may resign from her MP post after the 2026 elections to fully dedicate herself to state politics. This strategic decision is seen as a move by the DMK leadership to leverage her influence and strengthen the party's presence in Tamil Nadu.
The convergence of these events – the birthday video, Vijay's phone call, and the rumors of a state political entry – has created a buzz within the DMK. Some political analysts interpret these developments as a carefully orchestrated strategy to elevate Kanimozhi's position within the party and prepare her for a more prominent role in the state government. The coming months will be crucial in determining the accuracy of these speculations and the future trajectory of Kanimozhi's political career.
