Vijay makes a grand entry but it’s premature to forecast a blockbuster

Vijay has sort of positioned TVK against two powerful parties - BJP and the DMK.

Elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly are still some distance away. Yet, the political scene in the state has begun to turn hotter. A new leader has just arrived on the field. Vijay – ‘Talapathy’, or commander, for his fans.

Impressive opening scene

The first state-level conference of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a newly-formed party founded by him, was held last Sunday at Vikravandi in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. It has taken many by surprise. The massive turnout - estimated to be around five lakh- has certainly impressed them. Not just that.  They are flummoxed by the effort that had gone into organising the maiden state-level conference. Obviously, the contribution of his large base of fan followers to the grand success of the maiden conference of TVK cannot just be brushed aside. In terms of optics, it was indeed a grand initiation of actor Vijay into state politics.

Decoding ideology and policy positioning

Optics aside, observers find clarity in Vijay's speech at the conference.

For one, he said his party would fight against sectarian forces ideologically. He made it clear that TVK would take on the Dravidian model-invoking corrupt forces politically. Clearly, Vijay has sort of positioned TVK against two powerful parties - BJP and the DMK. He has cast the die indeed.

Considering the fact that actor Vijay is now turning politician Vijay, this decision to pitch TVK against two powerful political organisations is extraordinary and gutsy, to say the least.

During his speech, Vijay has stressed on:
* Two-language formula
* Education to be brought back to the State list of the Constitution
* Abolition of NEET
* Setting up of an IT university
* Abolition of the post of Governor.

A closer reading of these will suggest that TVK is readying to pitch itself against the BJP. His references to corruption, dynasty politics and the like similarly indicate his desire to see TVK emerge as an alternative to the DMK.

Often, one hears of simmerings - not just within the DMK coalition but also inside the party. These are reported to have increased ever since the elevation of Udayanidhi Stalin - son of chief minister M. K. Stalin - as the deputy chief minister.

The googly

At the Vikravandi conference, Vijay also talked about sharing powers with parties that approached TVK. This is significant. Vijay the leader is willing to share powers with other parties! It is hard to think of the AIADMK of the present ceding its leadership role, more so to a newcomer like Vijay!

Winning elections is all about getting the right numbers. Alliances are the outcome of the understanding of this plain truth.  DMK returned to power in Tamil Nadu by managing to bring on board a number of smaller parties. But DMK has not shared power with them. This power-sharing offer has enlivened the political atmosphere in the State. Seasoned political observers see in this move a crafty leader in the making. This, in a way, enhances the bargaining powers of smaller supporting parties of DMK. This is, perhaps, the first time in the annals of Tamil Nadu politics that someone dares to talk of sharing power.

His references to women - in terms of giving protection, reserving seats in assembly, fostering women leadership and the like - and focus on GenNext clearly indicate the target constituencies of TVK.

Politics is not a sprint

His huge fan base could yet prove to be an organisational support base for TVK. This could turn out to be a huge plus for him and his political party. Vikravandi conference suggests that Vijay has begun well. But it is going to be a long road ahead and a bumpy one at that.

Many from the tinsel world in the past had indeed aspired to shine in Tamil Nadu politics. But only M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and his prodigy  late J. Jayalalitha rose to become chief ministers of the state. Vijayakanth did show huge promise. His alliance with the Jayalaltiha-led AIADMK probably had, however, stunted his political growth. This time around, Vijay seems to have realised the need for an alternative, and, hence, seeks to bring on board others rather than himself joining some other alliance.

Politics is a different ball game than the tinsel world. Not all actors make a mark in that. One of Tamil cinema’s top actors, Sivaji Ganesan, too tried his hand in politics but could never really succeed. Another star, Kamalahasan, is still struggling to find his feet in the world of politics. Actor Sarath Kumar, too, had floated his own party. But they all remain in the realm of obscurity in politics.

Politics is not a game of sprint. It is a long-haul journey. No doubt, Vijay has popularity. But it requires more than mere popularity to have a sustained stay in the hard game of politics. Does he have the wherewithal - mental and financial - to play the long-haul game? Time alone can answer that. One thing is sure, however. Vijay has made a right beginning.