Vijay Rejects Celebrity Politics Label, Credits TVK Workers for Success
‘Not Just Reel Fame’: Vijay Recalls TVK’s Challenges While Responding to Critics in AssemblyTamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has responded sharply to critics who continue to describe Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. . .
‘Not Just Reel Fame’: Vijay Recalls TVK’s Challenges While Responding to Critics in AssemblyTamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has responded sharply to critics who continue to describe Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as an ‘actor’s party,’ saying the label overlooks the years of effort that went into building the organization. Addressing the Assembly, Vijay said TVK’s rise was not the result of celebrity status alone but a political journey shaped by public outreach, organizational work, and the commitment of party workers. He argued that reducing theparty’s successto his film career ignores the challenges faced during its formative years. People Saw More Than a Film StarVijay, without naming any opponent, pointed out that many people did not take TVK seriously when it joined politics. He said the reason was that many believed it would be difficult for an actor-led party to earn credibility. But he added that people saw beyond his on-screen image and judged the party by its promises and its involvement in public affairs. According to the chief minister, the success of TVK showed people’s desire for political change. He believed that the party’s popularity was gained through community interaction rather than from the cinema. Recalls Early ChallengesVijay also reflected on the obstaclesTVKfaced before it emerged as a major political force in the state. He felt that the party needed to win over skeptics from rival parties and certain elements of the population who were unsure about its prospects. According to the chief minister, the party’s cadre contributed to TVK’s success in Tamil Nadu. The chief minister attributed the organization’s success in becoming a ruling party to its contributions. Message to Political RivalsThese observations came amid persistent criticism thatTVK’s risewas linked to Vijay’s films. In his speech on the process the party followed to establish itself as an organization, the chief minister sought to portray his party as a genuine political entity. This came amid the party’s efforts to consolidate its position in the state after winning the elections. Vijay assured that the party will concentrate on governing and helping people while increasing its political influence. This speech was meant to reflect the party’s process of overcoming difficulties and criticism before establishing itself as part of Tamil Nadu politics, which, according to Vijay, depended more on determination than on stardom.