TVK names actor Vijay CM candidate for 2026 Tamil Nadu polls; can he challenge MK Stalin? | Chennai News

NEW DELHI: Tamil film star-turned-politician Vijay has been officially declared the chief ministerial candidate of his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.Vijay is also set to launch a state-wide tour from September to December as part of TVK’s campaign preparations, aiming to position the party as a serious challenger in the state’s political arena.He also announced that there will be no alliance with the BJP.“TVK is not DMK or AIADMK to bow down to the BJP,” Vijay said at the party’s executive committee meeting, sending a clear message about the party’s position ahead of the 2026 polls.He further said that his party would maintain a principled and independent political path, “TVK is firm that it will not ally, directly or indirectly, with our ideological enemies and divisive forces like the BJP.”TVK launched in February 2024Vijay had formally launched TVK in February 2024, months after years of speculation about his political plunge. Vijay made it clear that TVK would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, choosing instead to concentrate on building grassroots support for 2026.“Our goal is to contest the 2026 assembly elections and lead the fundamental political change that people need,” Vijay had said, outlining the party’s vision.Can he challenge MK Stalin?With the announcement, the actor-turned-politician has a mammoth task ahead. He not only has to steer his party to an impressive performance in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, but also challenge the might of the ruling DMK in his bid to dethrone CM MK Stalin.For a new party launched just last year, it appears to be a Herculean task. However, given the actor’s popularity, the organisation might spring a surprise.