As the political climate in Tamil Nadu heats up for the 2026 Assembly elections, actor Vijay, now a full-fledged politician, is making decisive moves to carve a niche for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay has put an end to speculation, firmly stating that TVK will not form any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This announcement clarifies TVK's stance as it prepares to contest the upcoming elections.

Vijay's political journey began with the launch of TVK on February 2, 2024, marking a significant shift from his successful film career to active politics. The party's formation was a natural progression from his extensive fan base, organized into Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, a welfare association with around 85,000 fan clubs across Tamil Nadu. These fan clubs have now become the foundation of TVK's structure at the grassroots level.

TVK's ambitions are clear: to replicate the success of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), who won the Assembly elections on his debut. To achieve this, TVK is focusing on strengthening its cadre base and connecting with the people directly. The party has launched initiatives such as membership drives, training programs for booth agents, and strengthening its IT wing. Vijay is being projected as the Chief Minister candidate that the people desire.

In July 2025, TVK declared Vijay as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2026 elections, solidifying his role as the face of the party. A resolution was passed stating that TVK would lead the alliance for the 2026 elections and would not align with either the DMK or the BJP directly or indirectly. Vijay has criticized both the BJP and DMK, labeling BJP as an "ideological opponent" and DMK as a "political adversary," citing corruption and dynastic politics. TVK has also expressed its opposition to the imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu.

The party is actively working to expand its reach and influence across Tamil Nadu. After its first state conference in October 2024, TVK is holding its second state conference in Madurai on August 21, where Vijay is expected to unveil his political agenda for the 2026 elections. This conference aims to project Vijay as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate, building on the resolutions already passed by the party's executive committee. A public rally is planned for September to take the party's campaign across different districts.

TVK's general secretary, Anand, has stated that Vijay will make the final decision on any alliances, emphasizing that the party is open to alliances with those who accept Vijay as the CM candidate. However, TVK is clear about its opposition to divisive politics and corruption, setting it against both DMK and AIADMK. The party believes that AIADMK, having lost multiple elections, cannot defeat DMK, positioning the 2026 battle as primarily between DMK and TVK.

With the elections drawing closer, TVK is focused on strengthening its organization, promoting its ideology, and presenting Vijay as the alternative leader that Tamil Nadu needs. The party is leveraging technology, with initiatives like the 'MY TVK' app, to connect with members and expand its reach. As Vijay embarks on this new chapter, the political landscape of Tamil Nadu is set for a compelling and closely watched contest in 2026.