Tamil actor Vijay on February 2 announced his entry into politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The actor named his party Tamilaga Vetri Kazham and said that his party would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but he will contest the 2026 Assembly polls.
In a statement, Vijay said, “We are not going to contest the 2024 elections and we are not going to support any party. We have made this decision for General and Executive Council Meeting.”
"2026 is our goal. After getting altricial from ECI and after 2024 Lok Sabha elections we will be deciding upon the symbol, flag, ideologies, policies, meet and greet with people and the proper beginning of our political jour way will begin. We are not contesting in the 2024 elections and we will not be supporting any of the party that is contesting," the statement added.
In the statement, he further said, “Currently our party has applied for registration keeping in mind the time required for the work… Politics is not a hobby for me; It is my deepest passion and I want to devote myself fully to it.”
Thalapathy Vijay who is known for his performances 'Theri', 'Master', 'Bigil', 'Beast' 'Puli', 'Thuppakki', 'Mersal', and 'Kaththi' was last seen in action film 'Leo' which also starred Sanjay Dutt.
Speaking on his films, he added, “On my behalf, I have already agreed to complete another film related duties without disturbing the party work and fully engage in politics for the service of the people. I consider that as my debt of gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu.”
“To my best, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has been doing a lot of public welfare activities for the past many years. But a lot of political changes cannot be made only through a non-profit organisation, a political power is needed. You all know the current political scenario. Wrongful administration and corrupt politics is on one hand, on the other hand discriminative and fascist politics to divide our people. On two sides obstacles have been placed for our development and unity.”
The announcement prompted spontaneous celebrations from his fans.
"All are carving for good politics especially Tamil Nadu each people are carving for Selfless, truthful Politics with foresight and non corrupt government without caste - religion differences and with good administration. Very importantly, that Politics would be based on our Indian Constitution to apt with Tamil Nadu State rights and will be based on this soil 'By Birth all are same' ideology," the statement added.
"After my father and mother, the Tamil people are the ones who have given me everything including my name, fame and money. And I have been waiting to give it back to them for a long time Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam will be the party led by me. Our party leaders have gone to Delhi to register the party in the ECI We have already written and submitted the bylaws and the structure of the party," the statement read further.
Vijay's foray into Tamil Nadu politics will mark another high-profile entry from cinema after the likes of Kamal Haasan, MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, etc.
(With agency inputs)
