Actor-turned-politician Vijay's new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a stunning debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with early trends indicating the party is leading in over 100 constituencies. A particularly poignant highlight is the strong performance of Sabarinathan R, the son of Vijay's long-time driver, who is currently leading in the crucial Virugambakkam seat.
From Trusted Aide's Son to Frontrunner
Sabarinathan R's candidacy for Virugambakkam surprised many, but the early vote counts show him ahead with 26,333 votes, maintaining a significant margin of 8,002. His father, Rajendran, served as Vijay's personal driver for years before becoming a trusted aide. An emotional video showing Sabarinathan breaking down and touching Vijay's feet when his candidature was announced has resurfaced, symbolizing a rare moment of loyalty and personal connection within the political arena.
The Virugambakkam constituency, typically a stronghold contested by major parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), presented a tough challenge. Sabarinathan's comfortable lead here is seen as a strong indicator of TVK's broader appeal and the electorate's willingness to back Vijay's choices.
TVK's State-Wide Impact and Alliance Prospects
While TVK's lead in over 100 seats marks a historic debut, the party remains short of the 118-seat majority required to form a government independently in the 234-member Assembly. Despite the party's assertion that it can govern without external support, the possibility of post-poll alliances looms large.
Vijay's campaign positioned TVK as a fresh alternative to the decades-long dominance of the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led NDA. This strategy appears to have resonated with voters, particularly among younger demographics and first-time voters who flocked to Vijay's rallies.
Breaking the Mold in Tamil Nadu Politics
Tamil Nadu has a rich history of film stars transitioning successfully into politics, most notably M. G. Ramachandran. However, others like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have struggled to convert cinematic popularity into electoral victories. Vijay's initial success suggests a different trajectory, potentially reshaping the state's political landscape.
Early analyses suggest TVK may have drawn support from traditional DMK bases, including Dalit and minority Christian voters, while also benefiting from anti-incumbency sentiment against the AIADMK. Vijay's own community background may have further consolidated specific caste votes.
Regarding alliances, a tie-up with the AIADMK remains a possibility, despite previous pre-poll alliance talks breaking down over seat-sharing and leadership. Conversely, an alliance with the DMK seems unlikely given Vijay's sharp criticisms of M. K. Stalin's party. Vijay has also consistently described the BJP as an ideological opponent, which could complicate any broader alliance negotiations involving the AIADMK.