TVK chief and actor Vijay gets 'Y+' security cover ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu elections

Actor-turned-politician Vijay launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in February 2024. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 'Y+' category security to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay.

A team of eight armed personnel will be assigned for the TVK founder's protection. There will be two commandos and six policemen to ensure his safety in the run-up to the assembly elections in the state.

The decision to provide security to individuals is based on threat assessments from the Intelligence Bureau. The government reviews the threats in order to determine the level of security to be accorded to an individual.

In July 2016, during a question hour in the Lok Sabha, then minister of state for home affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir informed that the government assesses security requests from VIPs, consulting central security agencies for recommendations. After receiving inputs and responses, the government either provides central security to the individuals concerned or requests the relevant state government to take action.

Vijay's party, which that was launched in 2024, is preparing for the 2026 state assembly elections. He has urged his party functionaries and cadres to focus their efforts on addressing people's concerns, ensuring that their activities remain aligned with the issues affecting the public.

The actor-turned-politician recently asserted that work is underway to strenghten the party. "Our first goal is the 2026 elections. I request as a part of second-year inauguration; party cadres should do people welfare activities," he said.

"In the upcoming state elections, we have to join hands with people power, by showing our strength to the nation and we have to form and show democratic power sharing in Tamil Nadu," Vijay told TVF leaders and workers as the party celebrated its first anniversary earlier this month.