In a strategic move to consolidate opposition forces in Tamil Nadu, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is reportedly planning a mega show in Chennai, with actor-turned-politician Vijay emerging as a key pivot in their anti-DMK strategy. With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major constituent of the NDA, is actively exploring an alliance with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The BJP has struggled to make a significant impact in Tamil Nadu, winning only four of the state's 234 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections and failing to secure any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Recognizing the need to strengthen its position, the BJP is keen on bringing together all anti-DMK forces. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent visit to the state, emphasized the importance of winning elections and urged the party to focus on electoral math rather than sentiment when making alliance decisions.

Vijay's TVK has been positioning itself as an alternative political force in Tamil Nadu. While the party has stated that it would be natural allies with the Congress party, due to their shared focus on secularism, the BJP is actively pursuing a tie-up with TVK. Some AIADMK leaders have also hinted at a potential collaboration with TVK.

However, Vijay has also been critical of both the NDA government at the Centre and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. In December 2024, he criticized the BJP-led central government for not controlling violence in Manipur and the DMK government for its lack of progress in the Vengaivayal incident, where human waste was found in a water tank serving a Scheduled Caste community. Despite these criticisms, the NDA seems to view Vijay as a crucial figure in their efforts to challenge the DMK's dominance in Tamil Nadu.

The NDA's planned mega show in Chennai is seen as an attempt to project a united front against the DMK and to showcase the potential strength of an alliance that includes Vijay. The event is expected to draw significant attention from the media and the public, and could play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.

The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is currently characterized by a fierce rivalry between the DMK and AIADMK groupings. Vijay's entry into politics has added a new dimension to this rivalry, with both the NDA and the DMK vying for his support. Whether Vijay will choose to align with the NDA, go it alone, or explore other options remains to be seen. However, his emergence as a key player in the state's political arena is undeniable, and his decisions will likely have a significant impact on the outcome of the upcoming elections.