Chennai is buzzing with political anticipation as Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, ramps up its campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. In a bold move signaling a full-throated entry into the electoral fray, the party has announced the release of its manifesto on February 27.
Sources within TVK reveal that candidate identification for all 234 assembly seats is in full swing. The initial phase has shortlisted three potential contenders per constituency, setting the stage for a robust organizational push.
Around 80% of the shortlisted names belong to district secretaries, underscoring TVK’s commitment to grassroots workers who have been toiling at the local level. This approach aims to fortify the party’s base from the ground up, blending loyalty with on-the-ground experience.
The list also features state-level office bearers and seasoned administrators, a mix that political analysts praise for balancing ideological commitment with governance expertise. It’s a calculated strategy to project TVK as a credible alternative in a crowded field.
High-profile seats are generating the most buzz. In Villivakkam, discussions swirl around fielding the son of a former AIADMK MLA who recently joined TVK. Kolathur might see a prominent industrialist entering the race, while Tenkasi district’s Alangulam could nominate a theater owner’s son, and Vasudevanallur eyes a former MLA.
All eyes, however, are on Vijay’s own candidacy. Reliable insiders point to Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district as his likely turf. Currently held by former minister OS Manian, this competitive seat saw a razor-thin loss for the DMK candidate last time.
Vedaranyam’s demographics—dominated by fishermen and farmers—make it a battleground where Vijay’s appeal could sway decisive voters. Internal party surveys reportedly show strong winning prospects if he contests there.
With the manifesto unveiling and candidate selections nearing completion, TVK is positioning itself to make a significant impact in its debut assembly polls, challenging the established giants of Tamil Nadu politics.