TVK plans a major political push into AIADMK strongholds with a Salem rally ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signalling actor Vijay’s strategy to reshape the Opposition space and attract traditional AIADMK voters.
In a decisive political move ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has announced plans to deepen its political footprint in regions traditionally dominated by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The strategy signals TVK’s intention to reposition the Opposition space and directly court a voter base that has long been loyal to the AIADMK.
The decision was finalised during a high-level strategy meeting chaired by TVK founder and president Vijay at his Pattinapakkam residence in Chennai on Saturday. The three-hour consultation brought together senior party functionaries, including N. Anand, K.A. Sengottaiyan, Aadhav Arjuna, and K.G. Arunraj, who reviewed organisational preparedness, voter outreach plans, and the evolving political climate in the state.
According to party insiders, the leadership believes that the AIADMK’s recent electoral setbacks have weakened its organisational grip in several districts, creating what they describe as a “political vacuum.” TVK sees this as an opportunity to emerge as a credible alternative for voters dissatisfied with both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the struggling AIADMK.
A central theme of the discussion was TVK’s plan to appeal to long-time AIADMK supporters by aligning itself with the enduring political legacy of former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa. Both leaders continue to command deep emotional loyalty among AIADMK cadres and voters, particularly in rural and semi-urban Tamil Nadu.
Party leaders believe that invoking the governance ideals, welfare-driven politics, and mass appeal associated with MGR and Jayalalithaa could help TVK connect with traditional Dravidian voters while presenting Vijay as a fresh, corruption-free leader capable of carrying that legacy forward.
As part of this calculated outreach, TVK has decided to organise a major public rally in Salem in January 2026. The choice of location is politically significant, as Salem is considered the home turf of AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. By holding a large-scale event in Salem, TVK aims to directly challenge AIADMK dominance and test its grassroots resonance in one of the party’s strongest bastions.
Political observers see the move as a bold statement of intent, signalling that TVK is not content with symbolic politics but is willing to confront established parties on their own ground. The rally is expected to focus on governance failures, youth employment, social justice, and administrative transparency, themes that TVK believes will strike a chord with undecided and disillusioned voters.
During the meeting, leaders also reviewed the party’s immediate political calendar. Vijay is scheduled to travel abroad later this month to promote his upcoming film Jana Nayagan, which is slated for release during the Pongal festival. The film is expected to be his final cinematic project before fully transitioning into active politics.
“With his overseas commitments in place, the leadership reviewed timelines for strengthening district units, booth-level committees, and volunteer networks,” a senior party leader said. “While the DMK remains our principal political rival, we sense that AIADMK voters are increasingly looking at Vijay with renewed hope and curiosity.”
The meeting also resolved to constitute several key committees, including one dedicated to exploring potential electoral alliances and another tasked with drafting TVK’s election manifesto. The manifesto committee has been instructed to focus on employment generation, education reforms, healthcare access, women’s safety, and decentralised development.
In addition, leaders discussed the recently released draft electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Cadres have been directed to verify voter lists at the grassroots level, assist eligible citizens whose names are missing, and ensure maximum voter enrolment well ahead of the election schedule.
Meanwhile, TVK took swift disciplinary action by temporarily relieving Namakkal (East) district secretary J.J. Senthilnathan from his responsibilities after a controversial video allegedly involving him circulated on social media. Senior leader N. Anand said Vijay had ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter and assured that strict action would follow based on the findings.
The move, party sources said, reflects TVK’s attempt to project a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and maintain organisational discipline as it prepares for its first major electoral test.
With its focus now firmly on AIADMK strongholds, symbolic political messaging, and aggressive organisational expansion, TVK appears determined to position itself as a serious contender in Tamil Nadu’s highly competitive political landscape ahead of 2026.
