Mon Oct 28 09:39:24 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Superstar Vijay Launches Political Party, Embraces Periyar’s Ideology with a Twist
**Chennai, India:** Tamil film icon Thalapathy Vijay made a dramatic entry into politics on Sunday, launching his political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Vikravandi town. The move comes ahead of the 2026 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, marking Vijay’s foray into the political arena.
In his fiery speech, Vijay declared his party would embrace the ideology of social reformer EV Ramasamy Periyar, known as the father of the Dravidian movement, with one crucial exception. He explicitly stated that TVK would not endorse Periyar’s staunch atheism, a stance that has historically been a cornerstone of the Dravidian movement.
“We won’t be taking only one thing that Periyar said — the anti-God position. We have no stake in a politics that denies God,” Vijay declared.
While rejecting the anti-God stance, Vijay praised Periyar’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that the reformer’s legacy inspired him to champion this cause. He also asserted that TVK would not distinguish between Dravidian nationalism and Tamil nationalism, calling them “the two eyes of the soil.”
Vijay’s political debut has sent ripples across Tamil Nadu. While he embraces Periyar’s ideology, his rejection of atheism is a bold move, potentially appealing to a wider cross-section of voters. His party’s focus on social justice, women’s empowerment, and secularism could resonate with a significant segment of the electorate.
The actor-politician also invoked the legacy of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, underscoring his commitment to social justice and constitutional values.
Periyar, a controversial figure, remains a powerful symbol in Tamil Nadu politics. His advocacy for Dravidian identity and opposition to religious practices continue to stir debate.
With Vijay’s entry into politics, the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are set to be an intriguing contest. His star power and his unique take on Periyar’s ideology are likely to shake up the political landscape, creating a dynamic new player in the state’s political arena.
First Piper 