Vijay. M

Vijay M., age 40, is contesting from Usilampatti constituency on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket. His affidavit declares his profession as 'Mercury Broilers' with assets of Rs. 1.05 crore and liabilities of Rs. 47.21 lakh. However, web search results consistently identify TVK's prominent figure as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, the celebrated Tamil film actor who formally launched TVK on February 2, 2024. This raises questions about whether this is the same individual or a different person with the same name contesting from Usilampatti. The actor Vijay previously organized fan clubs under Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which supported the AIADMK alliance in 2011 and won 115 of 169 seats in 2021 local body elections. If this is indeed the actor-turned-politician, his political journey has been marked by both promise and controversy. TVK has positioned itself as a third front challenging Tamil Nadu's traditional DMK-AIADMK duopoly, with a focus on youth and women voters. The party released an ambitious manifesto promising Rs. 2,500 monthly for homemakers, Rs. 4,000 for unemployed graduates, 50% farm debt relief, 200 units of free electricity, and a vision to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 through AI-driven governance. However, tragedy struck in September 2025 when a stampede at Vijay's Karur rally killed 41 people, leading to an FIR against three senior TVK organizers and a judicial inquiry, though Vijay himself was not charged. Vijay has accused the ruling DMK government of corruption in the Tasmac liquor sector, citing an alleged Rs. 1,000 crore scam, and has positioned TVK firmly against the BJP, calling it an 'ideological enemy.' Both DMK and AIADMK leaders have dismissed him as politically inexperienced and arrogant. Recent reports indicate Vijay disclosed two pending FIRs in a fresh affidavit—one for public disturbance during Chennai campaigning and another from a Madurai conference. His personal life has also drawn attention, with divorce proceedings with wife Sangeetha adjourned to June 2026 amid allegations of infidelity and emotional distress. Voters in Usilampatti should carefully verify whether this candidate is the film star or a different individual with the same name. The discrepancy between the declared profession (poultry business) and the widely-known public identity (film actor) requires clarification. If this is the actor Vijay, questions remain about complete asset disclosure given his film industry earnings. TVK has not yet contested any elections, making this the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections its electoral debut. Voters should weigh the party's ambitious promises against its lack of governance track record and organizational challenges highlighted by the Karur tragedy.