Actor Vijay Launches Political Party, Says Won’t Contest 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

Tamil film actor ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay on Friday launched his political party and called it ‘Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam’ after formally applying to register the party with the Election Commission. He said his party would not participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election but was eyeing the 2026 Tamil Nadu poll.

In a fresh official statement, the actor said the outfit has been registered with the ECI. “I humbly wish to state that the party’s general council and executive committee have decided neither to contest nor to extend support to any party in the general elections 2024.”

A report by The Times of India quoted Vijay and stated that the party’s objective is to contest and win the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu to provide the political change longed by the people.

Sources said the actor’s registered fan group ‘Vijay Makkal Iyakkam’, which engages in many social welfare activities, was being converted into a full-fledged political party. The reach of the party, according to people close to the actor, was expected to extend beyond Tamil Nadu given his strong and organised fan base in Kerala and Karnataka.

Vijay took to X and posted a statement. “To my best, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has been doing a lot of public welfare activities for the past many years. But a lot of political changes cannot be made only through a non-profit organisation, a political power is needed. You all know the current political scenario. Wrongful administration and corrupt politics is on one hand, on the other hand is discriminative politics to divide our people. On two sides obstacles have been placed for our development and unity.”

“All are carving for good politics especially Tamil Nadu each people are carving for Selfless, truthful Politics with foresight and non corrupt government  without caste – religion differences and with good administration. Very importantly, that Politics would be based on our Indian Constitution to apt with Tamil Nadu State rights and will be based on this soil ‘By Birth all are same’ ideology,” the statement added.

Vijay stated further that Tamil people are the ones who gave him everything and he wanted to give it back to them.

“After my father and mother, the Tamil people are the ones who have given me everything including my name, fame and money. And I have been waiting to give it back to them for a long time Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam will be the party led by me. Our party leaders have gone to Delhi to register the party in the ECI  We have already written and submitted the bylaws and the structure of the party,” the statement read further.

Further, according to the statement, the party will not be contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the unveiling of the symbol, flag, the articulation of ideologies that the fledgeling outfit will seek to put forward, policies, and meet-and-greet with people will be taken care of after the general elections.

“2026 is our goal. After getting altricial from ECI and after 2024 Lok Sabha elections we will be deciding upon the symbol, flag, ideologies, policies, meet and greet with people and the proper beginning of our political jour way will begin. We are not contesting in the 2024 elections and we will not be supporting any of the party that is contesting,” the statement added.

Vijay is known for his eye-catching performances in films such as ‘Theri’, ‘Master’, ‘Bigil’, ‘Beast’ ‘Puli’, ‘Thuppakki’, ‘Mersal’, and ‘Kaththi’, among others.

He was last seen in the action film ‘Leo’ which also starred Sanjay Dutt in the lead role.

Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film received positive responses from the audience.

The superstar, in his statement, added that there’s one more film that he has signed, and after completing the project, he will shift his focus to politics.

“I have one more film that I have signed. I will finish it and completely indulge myself into politics. I have been preparing myself for my political journey for a long time. I will devote myself for the people of Tamil Nadu. This is the only way I can give back to my people,” the statement quoted Vijay as saying.

Vijay will be next seen in the film ‘The Greatest of All Time’.

The actor’s supporters across Tamil Nadu celebrated and burst crackers as he entered politics.