You’re one of the most revered person in the state (Tamil Nadu) and in the verge to meet you, people come en masse and some of them die in a stampede too. Technically, the masses should curse you and call you a bad luck or an irresponsible politician. However, in case of Vijay, the actor-turned-politician, the masses are in favour of him. We hear people themselves say that it is the police and not the actor or his party who is to be blamed. And this turned out to be the biggest push factor for him to become the next political superstar of Tamil Nadu.
With CBI all set to takeover the investigation, it is becoming evident that Vijay might soon form an alliance with NDA for the upcoming polls. And this means that Vijay is much closer to achieve what Rajnikanth couldn’t. In due course, he may even come closer to become a Chief Minister in the next election provided everything goes as planned. But the question is, what did he get right that Rajnikanth couldn’t? And having him in NDA guarantees a victory for AIADMK? What will be DMK’s next move to break this juggernaut? Let us explore.
What did Vijay get right that Rajnikanth couldn’t?
Rajnikanth pulled out of politics abruptly after his aspirational announcement during 2021 assembly elections. Some say it was DMK’s conspiracy as they feared his rise in politics could break their prospects. His fans were protesting and urged him to reconsider his decision only to be disappointed yet again.
On the other hand, Vijay weighed in all the pros and cons before jumping into politics. He took a neutral stance and carefully moved his pawns. During the rumour of Rajnikanth’s entry, there were rumours of Vijay’s entry too. However, he rubbished all such claims initially, gradually witnessed Rajnikanth’s downfall and played his cards right. He launched a political party post the general elections of 2024 and gradually surprised everyone with a mass rally day after day.
Unlike Rajnikanth, he never allowed others to take advantage of his stardom, but unleashed the benefit himself. He never hopped-on and flaunted press meets as much as the former. Rather he gave signals and chose his words carefully.
NDA stands a chance to win with Vijay?
2021 elections would have been a much more interesting event, but for the sudden pull out of Rajnikanth. Post which, the battleground was obvious and turned towards DMK+ alliance. Taking a closer look, there was a mere 6-8 per cent margin between the winner and the loser. Hence, Rajnikanth’s role might have played a significant impact in reducing the victory margin of DMK+ or the prospects of AIADMK+ too.
The reason why Vijay or any party in Tamil Nadu is hesitant to be part of NDA(or BJP) was that they lose the chance to garner minority votes. But the scenario (the impact of the Karur stampede), which prevails now is extra-ordinary and the dynamics have changed. This only means anti-incumbency.
Therefore, it is going to be a wave election and the singular motto might will be to replace the current government. Riding this wave is Vijay, and the sympathy he garnered out of the chaos so far will decide which way the votes would swing.
DMK’s next move?
DMK is a shrewed political force. They have an answer to all negative publicity put against them. The party over the years recovered from debacle after debacle. While dynamics of leadership transition was chaotic in AIADMK, it was smooth (at least to the outside world) in DMK. Post the death of Karunanidhi, Stalin was the most obvious leader.
There was no shock or the question of acceptance among the cadres or even the voters for that matter. Similarly, Udayanidhi Stalin is already leading the bandwagon and is surely the next in command. They choose the right candidates and craft the path to victory. Hence, DMK is a force which is not to be underestimated. Their next move is always a surprise.
In conclusion
Vijay is already the next political superstar of Tamil Nadu. However, he still has a long way to go to achieve tangible results. CBI’s enquiry, upcoming political alliances, caste equations etc. will be major factors to look at. Overall, 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections will be a unique battle to watch.
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