Tamil film actor Vijay’s entry into politics with his newly launched party is being likened to the debuts of MG Ramachandran and NT Rama Rao, but history suggests that star-run outfits have rarely had a smooth start.
A Moneycontrol analysis shows that while actors bring charisma, few have managed to convert stardom directly into a chief minister’s chair in their very first electoral outing.
NT Rama Rao remains the standout exception. His Telugu Desam Party swept the 1983 polls, winning 201 of the 289 seats it contested with a 46 percent vote share. He retained office in 1985 with over 40 percent support. MG Ramachandran’s AIADMK also came to power in its debut election in 1977 and ruled until his death in 1987.
Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam secured just 2.6 percent vote share in 2021, drawing a nought across 180 seats.
Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam fared better with 18 of the 288 seats and 16 percent vote share in 2009 but merged with Congress soon after.
Focused approach pays off
History suggests actor-run parties do better when they contest fewer seats or align with larger players. Vijayakanth’s DMDK won only one of 234 seats in its 2006 debut despite an 8.4 percent vote share. But in 2024, contesting just 41 seats in alliance, it won 29. His 2016 attempt with over 100 seats in a Left-led bloc, however, ended in a wipeout.
Similarly, Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena had a poor debut in 2019, winning just one seat of 137 contested. But in 2024, it allied strategically and swept all 21 it contested, positioning him closer to the CM’s chair. T Rajendar’s TMK won two of 11 seats in a DMK alliance in 1991, again underscoring the benefits of targeted contests.
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