Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: a new political dawn in Tamil Nadu

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TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay greets his supporters at a rally in Thanjavur in March this year. In its electoral debut, the party earned about a 35% vote share, a feat that even AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran could not manage in 1977.

Stellar debut: TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay greets his supporters at a rally in Thanjavur in March this year. In its electoral debut, the party earned about a 35% vote share, a feat that even AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran could not manage in 1977. | Photo Credit: R. Vengadesh

On the day of polling in Tamil Nadu (April 23, 2026), a senior civil servant, serving in New Delhi, visited Chennai to attend a wedding. At the marriage hall, what he heard was a loud message in favour of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C. Joseph Vijay. The official was surprised as he was under the impression that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would coast to victory.

On the same day, a Madurai-based activist, who helps students prepare for competitive examinations, went to his native village near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district to cast his vote. When he met youngsters in the village and enquired about their choice, the only reply that came was: “Vijay, Vijay, and Vijay.”

Published - May 10, 2026 05:30 am IST

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