Actor Vijay considers two key Chennai constituencies for electoral debut

Actor‑turned‑politician Vijay is actively considering contesting his maiden Tamil Nadu Assembly election from one of two Chennai constituencies, Velachery or Virugambakkam, as the political outfit he leads, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), witnesses an overwhelming rush of aspirants seeking party tickets, sources said. TVK has been inundated with applications from across the state since the process opened, with nearly 10,000 forms distributed within just ninety minutes on the first day, highlighting intense political interest and organisational mobilisation.

According to party insiders, Vijay is consulting with senior functionaries and weighing the political landscape, logistical ease, and strategic value of each seat before making a final decision. While he had earlier considered other constituencies including Vikravandi in Villupuram, Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam, and Vedasandur in Karur , the focus has now shifted to Velachery and Virugambakkam in the state capital. Sources said the initial shortlist was influenced not just by perceived winning prospects but also by astrological advice favouring constituencies beginning with the letter “V.”

Velachery is a rapidly developing urban constituency situated a few kilometres from Vijay’s Panaiyur residence, offering easier logistical management for campaign activities and reinforcing his urban base. Virugambakkam, on the other hand, holds personal resonance as the locality where his parents reside.

TVK, launched on February 2, 2024, and allotted the “whistle” symbol by the Election Commission, has positioned itself as a secular, social justice‑oriented movement drawing inspiration from leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy), and Kamaraj. Vijay has characterised the BJP as his “ideological opponent” and the ruling DMK as his “political adversary,” while indicating openness to alliances with parties that align with TVK’s goals.

The party’s chief coordinator, K.A. Sengottaiyan, has stressed that Vijay will finalise the list of candidates soon, underscoring the high organisational priority placed on contesting all 234 constituencies. Sengottaiyan told reporters that “it is Vijay who is contesting from all 234 constituencies in the state,” reflecting TVK’s ambitions of a comprehensive electoral challenge.

The massive turnout for applications reflects TVK’s surging grassroots momentum and logistical efforts to engage party cadres statewide. Deputy general secretary C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar described the response as unprecedented, noting that distribution will continue through February 14 with forms available daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Beyond candidate selection, Vijay has recently taken steps to strengthen TVK’s campaign infrastructure, including the formation of an election campaign committee tasked with coordinating poll activities across all constituencies. The party is also planning statewide public meetings and a grand campaign launch in February to energise voters and further build its organisational presence ahead of the polls.

As campaign fervour intensifies, TVK’s candidature decisions and Vijay’s choice of seat will be closely watched, with the broader electoral battle in Tamil Nadu shaping up to be highly competitive.