Actor Vijay’s entry into Tamil Nadu’s political arena has created a buzz, with enthusiastic crowds at his rallies. In a state where film stars have long played a significant role, Vijay’s emergence as a political figure was anticipated. His recent campaign, launching from Nagercoil, saw him criticizing Chief Minister MK Stalin, raising questions about the government’s foreign investments.
While Vijay’s fans are optimistic, political analysts are more cautious. Dr. Sumanth C Raman believes Vijay could draw support from the DMK’s secular voters. But with the DMK’s substantial lead, this impact is manageable. Vijay is more likely to affect the AIADMK by splitting the opposition vote.
This scenario could work in DMK’s favor. Despite Stalin’s dismissal of Vijay’s political standing, the DMK is not overly concerned. Prof. Ramu Manivannan has his reservations about the success of film actors in politics, pointing out that the success of leaders like MG Ramachandran and M. Karunanidhi required extensive efforts.
Vijay’s impact will likely be in splitting the opposition vote. He is seen to be attracting those voters who do not want to support the DMK. This fragmentation could unintentionally benefit the DMK. The DMK hopes that the anti-incumbency sentiment is not amplified by Vijay’s presence. The BJP, allied with the AIADMK, trails the DMK-led coalition.
Considering the anti-incumbency factor, a vote-splitter like Vijay could benefit the DMK. The DMK has effectively used issues related to Tamil identity and criticized the BJP, which has helped in its past electoral victories. The party’s strong campaign strategy and media support contribute to its preparedness for the upcoming election. However, the next few months will be crucial as the DMK faces a new challenge from Vijay and his party, TVK.