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From Leo to leader: Thalapathy Vijay’s double treat on vacation and a political debut

By TNSCorrespondent, 25 July, 2023
Vijay, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, Politics, Chennai, Leo

(This article is authored by Alar)

Vijay, who has been ruling the box office with his blockbuster films, is now gearing up for his next big move: a political debut. The actor, who has a massive fan following across the state, has been dropping hints about his political ambitions for a long time, but has not made any official announcement yet. However, sources close to him suggest that he is preparing the ground for launching his own party and contesting the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

On Monday, the versatile star was spotted at the Chennai International airport before taking off on vacation. He has just finished filming his next movie, Leo. The actor is scheduled to return for the 'Leo' audio release and his long-awaited political foray. Fans and followers speculated after seeing a video of him passing through airport security with his passport and boarding passes in hand.

According to reports, Vijay has convened a crucial meeting with his political members to discuss his plans for his political debut and the 2026 elections. The actor is likely to convert his fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which has been involved in various social activities, into a political outfit. The fan club has been collecting information on the key issues and demands of the voters in each area, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the existing parties.

Vijay seems to be keen to emulate the success formula of M.G. Ramachandran, the charismatic actor and philanthropist who became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. MGR’s fan club had laid a strong foundation for his political success even though he had been in politics for over a decade before launching his own party, the AIADMK. Vijay’s father, director S.A. Chandrasekhar, who has been promoting his son as a future CM of Tamil Nadu, had initiated Vijay’s political plans in 2009.

Vijay had been reluctant to enter politics before the 2021 assembly election as he felt there was no political vacuum to cash in on by a newcomer. Both the DMK and AIADMK had put up a strong fight in the 2021 election. However, the situation has changed over the last two years with the divide within the AIADMK growing wider. No other opposition party, including actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth’s DMDK and the PMK, has gained strength from the perceived weakening of the AIADMK.

Many political analysts feel that this situation has created an opportune and ripe time for a strong third player. Vijay, who enjoys a huge popularity among the youth and women, may be able to capitalize on this opportunity and carve out a niche for himself in Tamil Nadu’s politics. However, he will also have to face several challenges and hurdles from his rivals and critics, who may question his credentials and motives.

Vijay’s fans are eagerly waiting for his political debut announcement, which may come after the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The actor, who turns 50 next year, may celebrate his golden jubilee with a grand political entry that could change the course of Tamil Nadu’s politics. Until then, all eyes are on Thalapathy Vijay’s vacation and political plans.

 

 

 

 

 

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