Vijay Launches Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: A New Political Vision for Tamil Nadu

At the inaugural state conference of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), actor-turned-politician Vijay, affectionately known as “Thalapathy” by his fans, made a strong statement about his party’s ideology through powerful imagery. The rally held in Vikravandi, Tamil Nadu, featured cutouts of five significant reformers: K Kamaraj, Periyar, Velu Nachiyar, Anjalai Ammal, and B R Ambedkar. This selection underscores the anti-caste and secular foundations of the new party.

Vijay articulated that TVK would not differentiate between Dravidian nationalism and Tamil nationalism, asserting that both are “the two eyes of this soil.” He emphasized the importance of embracing a broader identity rather than limiting oneself to a specific label.

The party’s launch anthem, “Tamizhan Kodi Parakuthu … Thalaivan Yugam Porakuthu” (The Tamil flag flies high … A leader’s time has arrived), draws inspiration from classic songs by AIADMK founder M. G. Ramachandran from the 1950s, signaling a revival of Tamil aspirations.

Vijay’s foray into politics is a strategic move aimed at establishing a unique political identity in a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties like the DMK and AIADMK. The TVK flag, featuring a vibrant mix of red, yellow, green, and blue, symbolizes a commitment to social justice, unity, and modernity.

Key Reformers Highlighted at the Rally:

1. K Kamaraj: A prominent freedom fighter and the first chief minister of the Madras province, Kamaraj played a significant role in India’s independence movements, including the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India movement. He later became the president of the Indian National Congress, known for revitalizing the party after the Indo-China War.
2. Periyar (E V Ramasamy): A key figure in the Dravidian movement, Periyar advocated for a separate Dravidian state and opposed the imposition of Hindi. He was a social reformer who championed female literacy and inspired Vijay to focus on empowering women in Tamil Nadu.
3. Velu Nachiyar: Known as “Veeramangai” (brave woman), Velu Nachiyar was the queen of Sivagangai who fought against the East India Company in 1790. She was celebrated for her archery skills and scholarship, inspiring Vijay with her determination to combat formidable foes.
4. Anjalai Ammal: A social reformer from Cuddalore, Anjalai Ammal was dedicated to female literacy and played a vital role in the Salt Satyagraha. Her leadership of the Congress’ women’s wing made her a pivotal figure in promoting women’s rights in pre-Independence India.
5. B R Ambedkar: The principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar is a symbol of anti-caste and secular politics, providing a strong ideological foundation for Vijay’s party.

Through this rally and the formation of TVK, Vijay aims to carve a new political path for Tamil Nadu, combining the legacies of these reformers with contemporary aspirations for social justice and equality.