Politics – Shobhaa De Urges Patience as Vijay Begins Political Journey
Politics – Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has received support from author and columnist Shobhaa De, who believes the newly elected leader should be given enough time to establish himself in public life despite limited political experience.
Speaking about Vijay’s recent electoral success, Shobhaa De said the Tamil star managed to connect strongly with younger voters, particularly Gen-Z audiences, who played an important role in the rise of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). She noted that although Vijay is still new to active politics, the public has placed its trust in him through the democratic process.
Young Voters Played a Crucial Role
According to Shobhaa De, Vijay’s popularity among younger citizens became one of the defining features of the election. She explained that many first-time and young voters appeared drawn to his public image and messaging during the campaign.
TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly by securing 108 seats. While the party remains short of the majority mark of 118, the result has significantly changed the state’s political landscape and positioned Vijay at the centre of government formation discussions.
De emphasized that political newcomers should not be dismissed solely because they lack administrative experience. She stated that democracy allows individuals from different professional backgrounds to step into leadership roles and prove their capabilities over time.
Tamil Nadu’s Long Connection Between Cinema and Politics
The columnist also pointed out that the relationship between cinema and politics has deep roots in Tamil Nadu. Several influential political leaders from the state first gained fame as film personalities before moving into public service.
Drawing comparisons with the past, De mentioned former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who also entered politics without extensive experience but later became one of the state’s most influential leaders. According to her, Vijay’s entry into politics follows a familiar pattern seen in Tamil Nadu over several decades.
She added that the state’s voters have historically shown strong emotional support toward film stars, often transforming their popularity on screen into political backing at the ballot box.
Coalition Talks Gain Momentum
Following the election outcome, political negotiations in the state have intensified. TVK has reportedly started discussions with several parties to secure the numbers required for government formation.
The Congress party, which secured five Assembly seats, has already announced conditional support to Vijay’s party. At the same time, TVK has approached parties including the CPI, CPI(M), and VCK in an effort to build broader political support.
Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Vijay can successfully gather enough allies to form the next government in the state.
Focus Shifts to Vijay’s Leadership
With TVK emerging as the largest party, attention is now turning toward how Vijay handles the responsibilities of leadership and alliance management. While supporters see his victory as a sign of political change, critics remain cautious about his administrative readiness.
However, Shobhaa De maintained that public leaders should ultimately be evaluated through their actions in office rather than assumptions made before they begin governing. She stressed that voters have already made their decision, and the next step will depend on how Vijay responds to the challenges ahead