TVK emerges as strong non-Dravidian force in Tamil Nadu politics

Vijay’s TVK emerged strongly in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, positioning itself as a non-Dravidian alternative to the DMK and AIADMK. BJP leader K Annamalai praised the party’s performance, while Vijay’s father expressed pride in his son’s political journey

Chennai: Vijay’s TVK ideology of social justice, an egalitarian society and a dual-language policy of Tamil and English may have similarities with Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian pitch, but the fledgling party founder promises a non-Dravidian alternative to the AIADMK and the DMK.

He hopes to cash in on the huge vacuum for a strong non-Dravidian party to serve as an alternative to the Dravidian majors in the state.

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Except for party general secretary “Bussy” N Anand, who had been a legislator from Puducherry, another general secretary Aadhav Arjuna, who has some political experience before joining the TVK after a brief stint with the VCK, chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan, a veteran, and another leader V S Babu, all other candidates, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay, are political novices.

Responding to the spectacular performance of TVK, BJP former state chief K Annamalai said he accepted the people’s verdict.

The TVK had won nine seats and was leading in 94 constituencies as per ECI data at 5.30 pm on Monday. Counting was still underway.

“Happy to see that in my land, people have risen in one voice and said no to vote-buying and dynastic politics, and yes to a generational shift in politics. Whoever gets it done has actually done a favour to all,” Annamalai said in a post on X.

“Congrats and best wishes to TVK and Thiru @TVKVijayHQ avl for a spectacular debut in TN politics. Let Almighty be with you to do what you intend to do. And to all NDA candidates, it was a hard-fought battle on the ground. Congrats to all those who won, and for those who could not register a victory this time, let’s keep fighting,” he said.

He also conveyed commiserations to M K Stalin, DMK president, and Seeman, NTK founder, for their defeat in the election.

Meanwhile, Vijay’s father, film director and producer S A Chandrasekhar, said his son wanted to do something for society.

“For over 20 years, he was planning and wanted to do something for society… he will be a good leader. As a father, I am happy,” Chandrasekhar told reporters here.