BJP Slams Vijay’s Poll Claim, Calls TVK ‘Inexperienced’

A political exchange has intensified in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections after state BJP president Nainar Nagendran dismissed actor-turned-politician Vijay’s assertion that his party is the principal challenger to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Nagendran described Vijay as politically inexperienced and rejected claims that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) could emerge as the state’s dominant alternative.

Responding to Vijay’s recent statements about forming a government with an absolute majority, Nagendran argued that electoral success requires sustained grassroots engagement and organisational depth. He suggested that political leadership cannot rely solely on popularity derived from cinema and emphasised the importance of building a cadre-based movement.

The BJP leader further stated that the TVK lacks the experience and structural presence needed to challenge established political forces in the state. He downplayed the party’s prospects in the upcoming polls and expressed confidence that it would fail to secure meaningful electoral support.

Debate over electoral strength

The exchange follows claims from the TVK leadership that internal assessments indicate strong public support ahead of the 2026 elections. According to the party’s internal survey, the DMK remains the frontrunner, followed closely by TVK, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) — a BJP ally — is placed third. Other parties account for a smaller share of voter preference.

Nagendran rejected these projections, questioning the basis of the vote-share estimates and arguing that political strength cannot be determined solely through internal surveys or crowd turnout at rallies. He stressed that sustained voter outreach and organisational work at the grassroots level remain decisive factors in electoral outcomes.

Vijay rules out alliances

At a recent public rally, Vijay reiterated that TVK intends to contest the elections independently and will not align with either the INDIA bloc or the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He expressed confidence that the party could secure a full majority and form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

His remarks reflect a strategy aimed at positioning TVK as an independent political force rather than a coalition partner. Analysts suggest that this approach could reshape electoral dynamics if the party succeeds in consolidating youth and urban voter support.

Political landscape ahead of elections

Tamil Nadu’s political arena remains highly competitive, with the ruling DMK led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin seeking to retain power amid challenges from opposition parties and emerging political formations.

As campaigning gains momentum, debates over leadership credibility, organisational strength, and alliance strategies are expected to shape the electoral narrative. The coming months will test whether new political entrants can convert public enthusiasm into votes, while established parties work to protect their traditional support bases.

The sharp exchange between political leaders underscores the intensifying contest ahead of the Assembly polls, signalling a campaign season likely to be defined by strong rhetoric, strategic positioning, and evolving voter alignments.