Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 4 (HBTV): Thalapathy Vijay has emerged as a major highlight of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, stunning the state’s Dravidian parties and signalling a potential shift in the political landscape.
Making a notable electoral debut through his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay is leading in 109 constituencies. Although short of the halfway mark of 118 seats, he is likely to receive support from smaller parties aligned with both Dravidian alliances.
The results challenge long-held assumptions about actors struggling in politics, placing Vijay alongside actor-turned-leaders such as NT Rama Rao, MG Ramachandran, and J Jayalalithaa.
His performance suggests that his cinematic popularity has translated into a strong emotional connect with the electorate, reflected in the current trends.
If trends hold, Tamil Nadu could witness its first government outside the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) dominance since June 1977.
Vijay’s family members were seen celebrating at their residence, watching television and singing the ‘whistle podu’ song, which is also the party’s symbol. His chartered accountant Chandrasekar and cousins were present during the celebrations.
As projections of winning seats emerged, senior police officials arrived at his residence, and security was deployed in the surrounding area.
‘You will see that there is no need for any coalition. I can assure you that much, we will form the government on our own. There are no ifs and buts; it is a very clear mandate. The message is very clear — people have put a full stop to loot, corruption, nepotism and family politics. This is the end of dynasty, this is the end of DMK,’ said TVK national spokesperson Felix Gerald.
Vijay is leading from Tiruchirappalli (East) by a margin of more than 6,000 votes, securing 16,579 votes till the fourth round of counting out of a total of 22 rounds. DMK’s Inigo Irudayaraj has secured around 10,000 votes, trailing behind Vijay after the fourth round.
He is also contesting from Perambur, where he is leading by more than 10,000 votes against DMK’s R D Shekar.
Party workers gathered outside the party headquarters in Chennai as trends indicated that TVK may emerge as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections. Supporters were seen waving flags and distributing sweets to celebrate the performance.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is leading in 64 constituencies, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is ahead in 44 seats, according to Election Commission projections.
Smaller parties, including the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Indian National Congress (INC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are leading in 4, 5, and 3 seats, respectively.
Counting of votes began at 8 am, and the final results are yet to be officially declared by the Election Commission. (ANI)