Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who entered Tamil Nadu politics with a bold declaration that the “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would form the next government,” has largely remained inactive in recent months. His once-enthusiastic fan club members, who joined politics with great hope, are now expressing disappointment, feeling that the party is stagnating. The issue is that three individuals at the top of the party structure seem to have complete control, including Vijay.
Vijay’s father, SA Chandrasekhar, had long harboured plans to push his son into politics, aligning his film career with political themes. Over the years, they carefully cultivated Vijay’s fan base, preparing them for the eventual political journey. What began as a fan club gradually evolved into a charity club and eventually into a more politically focused people’s organization. Vijay routinely engaged with his fan base, inviting them to meet, share meals, and receive gifts while reinforcing the notion that only club members would have importance within the political party.
He often emphasized the need for hard work, declaring that only those who dedicated themselves to the cause would have the chance to compete in elections. Many fans took this to heart, investing their time and money into the effort and working tirelessly for the cause.
Vijay Makkal Mandram, aligned with welfare activities, had operated similarly to political parties, directly reaching out to people without massive publicity. Yet, despite the fanfare, Vijay’s political moves seem to have hit a roadblock.
He started the party as promised but has given significant positions and authority to a select few. Only a small number of individuals hold real power, particularly two prominent figures at the state level: a former MLA and the one who formulates the party’s strategy. A report by Dinamalar says the third key player is allegedly an IRS officer with an influential role within the Income Tax Department. It seems Vijay is merely executing the decisions made by these three individuals.
Some state leaders have allegedly manipulated the situation to gain favour with Vijay, having lower-level workers praise them in letters submitted to the party headquarters. These letters are presented to Vijay, who, after reading them, showers praise on the state leaders.
This centralization of power seems to have left Vijay, typically known for his independent nature, sidelined. Rather than reaching out directly to the people of Tamil Nadu to expand his party, he seems to be kept in a controlled environment, with only a select few allowed access to him.
As a result, Vijay’s party has failed to attract leaders from other disgruntled factions, including those from the DMK, AIADMK, and Naam Tamilar Katchi. It is alleged that a prominent female figure from the Naam Tamilar Party, who was interested in joining Vijay’s camp out of frustration with Seeman’s leadership, has been blocked by the influential trio surrounding Vijay.
Even when Vijay wished to personally meet flood-affected individuals to provide relief, his inner circle advised against it. They argued that such direct interaction could lead to chaos, prompting them to arrange a controlled relief effort, with affected people bussed to Panayur instead.
Despite the grand ambitions and promises, the party has yet to establish a clear administrative structure across the state, and crucial positions remain vacant. If this leadership vacuum continues, it’s unlikely that the party will be able to present a strong challenge in the 2026 assembly elections. Many within the party are now concerned about its future.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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