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Vijay vs MGR Legacy: Actor Thalapathy Vijay is moving towards creating history with a landslide victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He will be the first film star of the state in the last 49 years to become the Chief Minister directly. Earlier in 1977, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) had accomplished this feat and had given a new shape to politics. MGR won a landslide victory in the assembly elections in 1977 and ruled Tamil Nadu for nearly a decade until his death in 1987. He transformed the popularity of his fans into a strong political organization. His welfare schemes created an emotional connect with the masses and established a new balance of personality and policies in politics.

Challenge of becoming Chief Minister from film star

After MGR, many film stars entered politics, but no one could become the Chief Minister on his own. Jayalalitha certainly became the Chief Minister, but she achieved this position by taking over and strengthening MGR's party AIADMK, and not by forming a new party.

The rise of TVK and the mathematics of seats

In the 2026 election trends, Vijay's party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is seen leading between 100 to 118 seats. 118 seats are required for majority in the 234-member assembly. According to this, Vijay is either very close to majority or can come in a position to form the government.

Vijay's strategy: from fan club to organization

Vijay's political rise has been swift and planned. He entered politics strategically, not slowly like his predecessors. Vijay organized his fan club as 'Vijay Makkal Iyakkam' in 2009. This organization initially focused on social service and relief work. Gradually it gained ground at the grassroots level through education aid and local issues.

2011 to 2020: Political signals and activism

In 2011, the organization supported the AIADMK alliance, Vijay's first electoral experiment. After this, political color started increasing in his public image. His comments on CAA in 2019 made it clear that he also has his views on national issues.

Youth issues: the foundation of new politics

Vijay raised issues like education, unemployment, corruption and governance in his speeches and programs. These issues became popular, especially among young and urban voters. 'Vijay Makkal Iyakkam' candidates won many seats in the 2021 local body elections. This proved that his network is not limited to just gathering crowd, but can also convert into votes.

TVK launch and big decision in 2024

In February 2024, Vijay launched the 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam' (TVK) party. He made it clear that the party will contest the 2026 elections alone and will present itself as an alternative to DMK-AIADMK. Along with this, he announced his retirement from films, which made it clear that politics is a serious goal for him. Over the next two years TVK transformed itself into a strong political party. Organization was prepared from district level to booth level. Vijay was presented as a calm, listening and responsible leader.

Challenges and controversies: Karur incident

Some people died in a stampede during a TVK program in Karur in 2025. This was a big challenge for Vijay. However, his composed response showed that he could handle difficult situations. If TVK gets around 110 seats, Vijay can play an important role in the government formation process. The decision not to form an alliance before the elections can put him in a stronger position after the elections.

New chapter in Tamil politics

The 2026 elections have changed the politics of Tamil Nadu. Either Vijay will become the first actor from the state to become the Chief Minister after nearly five decades, or he will prove that new politics can change the old structure.