"Crowds Don't Mean Votes": AIADMK's Warning, Outreach To Actor Vijay

"Crowds Don't Mean Votes": AIADMK's Warning, Outreach To Actor Vijay

Chennai:

AIADMK continues its courtship of actor Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam ahead of next year's Assembly election. Former Milk and Dairy Development minister Rajenthra Bhalaji has urged Vijay to join forces with AIADMK to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Mr. Bhalaji emphasized that a unified opposition is essential to remove the DMK-led coalition, which includes Congress, from power. He warned that competing independently without AIADMK (and its BJP ally) would only weaken the opposition effort and strengthen DMK's position.

The AIADMK leader recognized the impressive turnouts at Vijay's rallies - with viral videos showing thousands attending events in Madurai and other cities - but cautioned the political newcomer that large crowds don't necessarily translate to electoral success.

"After MGR (AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran), Vijayakanth was accepted by people due to his strong cadre. For Vijay, this is yet to materialize. His popularity is undeniable, but popularity must convert into votes," he remarked.

Mr. Bhalaji also cautioned Vijay that contesting independently might be perceived as indirectly aiding DMK by splitting votes from AIADMK. "If Vijay truly wants DMK's defeat, he should accept EPS's (AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami) leadership and join the alliance."

"Failure to do so will result in DMK destroying his political career," he declared.

Since announcing his political entry, Vijay has maintained his stance against aligning with either DMK or AIADMK, the dominant parties in Tamil Nadu, where BJP lacks significant presence and Congress has played second fiddle since 1967, when M Bhakthavatsalam served as Chief Minister.

During an August rally in Madurai - his chosen constituency - Vijay emphasized his refusal to play a supporting role to either the DMK-Congress or AIADMK-BJP coalitions. "I am a lion marking my territory. The TVK is an unstoppable force destined to dominate," he proclaimed.

Vijay, who presents himself as his party's chief ministerial candidate, has explicitly rejected alliance with BJP, labeling the party his 'ideological' opponent.

The BJP has maintained a measured approach toward the immensely popular film star. The party's state president, Nainar Nagenthiran, stated in July that a 'common goal' unites them - "ensuring DMK loses power." "I proposed an alliance based on this shared objective," he told reporters, adding, "Since BJP and AIADMK reunited, DMK has grown concerned."

AIADMK chief EPS made similar remarks then: "Anyone wishing to remove DMK from power is welcome to join our alliance," the former Chief Minister stated.

The overtures from BJP and AIADMK highlight growing speculation that Vijay's TVK could emerge as kingmaker in next year's election. Despite his massive following, Vijay isn't expected to secure outright victory - requiring 118 seats in the 234-member assembly - but could significantly influence who becomes Chief Minister.

Vijay has been less critical of AIADMK than of BJP. He frequently invokes MGR's name and legacy to strengthen his campaign. He has also referenced DMK founder CN Annadurai, recently releasing an AI video depicting Annadurai endorsing TVK.