‘When Vijay Can Enter Politics, Why Not Dhanush?’ DMK Leader Asks

Actor Dhanush ’s reorganisation of his fan association into a welfare movement and a meeting with thousands of supporters have triggered political debate in Tamil Nadu, drawing reactions from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Congress, DMK and AIADMK.

Dhanush met members of the women’s wing of his revamped association, Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam, at a private college in Thoraipakkam on Sunday. Formerly known as Dhanush Narpani Mandram, the organisation has adopted a new name and logo.

Around 3,000 members attended the gathering, with women travelling from districts including Coimbatore and Ranipet despite heavy rain. The actor spent several hours interacting with supporters, posing for photographs and singing songs from his films. He also gifted attendees silver traditional Kamatchi lamps.

A video released by his team showed Dhanush interacting with women administrators. Images of the actor in traditional attire and greeting supporters in gestures associated with political leaders added to the attention surrounding the event.

However, Dhanush has made no official announcement about entering politics. Asked about the issue after the meeting, he extended Diwali greetings and said he was happy without directly answering reporters’ questions.

TVK leaders dismissed the prospect of Dhanush challenging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. General secretary Aadhav Arjuna alleged that political entrants were being backed by influential leaders in Delhi. Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said Dhanush could not match Vijay’s political standing, arguing that the TVK had built its position through years of grassroots work.

Tamil Nadu Congress chief B Manickam Tagore alleged that the developments could be part of a BJP-RSS strategy dubbed “Operation D” or “Plan C” to disrupt the state’s political landscape and expand the BJP’s influence. The allegation has not been independently established.

The DMK offered a different perspective, with senior leader S Regupathy saying Dhanush had every right to enter politics in a democracy. “When Vijay can enter politics, why not Dhanush?” he asked.