Actor Vijay’s foray into Tamil Nadu politics has ignited significant excitement, evident in the enthusiastic crowds he draws across the state. In a region where film stars have historically wielded considerable political influence, Vijay’s entrance is unsurprising. His recent campaign launch in Nagercoil, marked by pointed criticism of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has further fueled speculation.
While Vijay’s supporters are optimistic about his political prospects, analysts offer a more cautious perspective. Dr. Sumanth C Raman suggests that Vijay may draw some votes from the DMK’s secular base, but the party’s current lead is substantial enough to absorb this impact. The consensus is that Vijay will primarily impact the AIADMK, potentially splitting the anti-DMK vote.
This could inadvertently benefit the DMK, though Stalin dismisses Vijay’s ideological stance and lack of public service record. Political commentator Prof. Ramu Manivannan questions the long-term viability of film stars in politics, highlighting the extensive groundwork previous leaders undertook. He believes Vijay’s role will be to fragment the opposition vote, thereby aiding the DMK.
The DMK is prepared for the potential challenges, including any erosion of its minority vote. The BJP, aligned with the AIADMK, trails the DMK-led UPA. Given the anti-incumbency sentiment, the DMK aims to mitigate the effects of vote-splitting, as Vijay’s presence could inadvertently work in their favor.
The DMK’s focus on Tamil pride, opposition to Hindi imposition, and other state-centric issues has been successful in the past. With a strong propaganda apparatus and media support, the DMK is well-equipped to navigate the political landscape, but the coming months will be crucial for the ruling party to maintain its advantage.