Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: Rajinikanth row derails NDA-Vijay TVK alliance talks

In 2020, Rajinikanth in a three-page statement on X cited the Covid-19 pandemic and his health condition as his reasons to not enter politics.

Talks of an NDA-Vijay alliance for the Tamil Nadu elections hit a roadblock after a TVK leader’s controversial remarks against superstar Rajinikanth, according to NDTV.

Leaders of AIADMK and the BJP criticised TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna for his controversial remarks. A few days ago, Arjuna had claimed that Rajinikanth stayed away from politics due to threats from the DMK’s first family. The comment, intended to highlight Vijay’s “mental strength,” sparked a strong backlash.

In 2020, Rajinikanth in a three-page statement on X cited the Covid-19 pandemic and his health condition as his reasons to not enter politics.

According to reports, the BJP offered the post of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister to Vijay if the NDA wins the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Leaders within the BJP had also claimed that the NDA had reached out to TVK with an offer of up to 80 seats.

Vijay’s party is preparing for its electoral debut, relying on the actor’s mass appeal and aiming to replicate the breakthrough successes of Dravidian leaders like CN Annadurai and MG Ramachandran.

AIADMK and BJP slam TVK

According to the NDTV report, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami termed the comments “politically indecent” and rallied in defence of Rajinikanth.

"Rajinikanth is a respected cinematic personality admired beyond politics. Speaking in a manner that tarnishes his reputation is unacceptable. Entering politics is an individual's right, and so is choosing not to. He has explained his reasons, and they must be respected," Palaniswami said.

BJP leader K Annamalai criticised Arjuna, calling the latter’s claims an “illusion”. Pointing to Rajinikanth’s decades-long career, Annamalai said maintaining such prominence for over 50 years demonstrated extraordinary “mental strength”.

Tamil Nadu is set for a four-way contest on April 23. The counting will be held on May 4. The ruling DMK is aiming for a second consecutive term, while the AIADMK, after reviving its alliance with the BJP, looks to stage a comeback after three successive defeats.