Elections – Vijay Eyes Chennai Seat as TVK Sees Surge in Applications
Elections – The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is witnessing renewed activity as actor-turned-politician Vijay considers entering the Assembly race from Chennai.
Actor-politician Vijay is moving closer to finalising his constituency for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with strong indications that he may choose to contest from Chennai. The growing enthusiasm within his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has added momentum to the decision-making process.
Strong Response to Candidate Applications
TVK’s recent call for applications from prospective candidates has drawn an overwhelming response. At the party headquarters in Panaiyur, hundreds of workers gathered soon after the distribution of nomination forms began on Friday. According to party officials, nearly 10,000 forms were issued within just 90 minutes, underscoring significant grassroots interest in representing the party.
The leadership has announced that application forms will continue to be made available daily until February 14, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The staggered schedule is intended to manage crowds and ensure smoother coordination at the office.
Chennai Constituencies Under Consideration
Sources within TVK suggest that Vijay is evaluating the possibility of contesting from either Velachery or Virugambakkam, both key constituencies in Chennai. Earlier discussions had also included Vikravandi in Villupuram district, Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam, and Vedasandur in Karur district.
Party insiders indicate that the preliminary shortlist was shaped in part by informal suggestions that the constituency name begin with the letter “V” or carry an electoral number starting with nine. However, practical considerations appear to be influencing a shift in approach.
Strategic Shift Toward the Capital
Leaders within the party believe that choosing a Chennai constituency could offer logistical advantages. Campaigning from the capital would allow Vijay to oversee election efforts more efficiently while consolidating the party’s base in urban areas.
With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, party strategists are carefully assessing local political equations, organisational strength, and voter demographics before arriving at a final decision. A formal announcement regarding Vijay’s constituency is expected after these internal evaluations are complete.
Traffic Concerns Around Party Headquarters
While the surge in applications has energised party cadres, it has also created challenges for residents of Panaiyur, where TVK’s headquarters is located. The narrow residential lanes in the area have reportedly been choked with vehicles, leading to traffic congestion and limited access to homes.
Residents have expressed concerns about blocked entryways and delays faced by domestic workers and emergency services. Local welfare associations have approached the police, requesting better traffic management and crowd regulation to minimise disruption.
Community representatives clarified that they do not object to political activities but emphasised that large gatherings should be managed in a way that does not inconvenience neighbourhood residents.
Momentum Ahead of Electoral Debut
As Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam prepares for its first Assembly election, the scale of public participation in its membership and candidate selection drive is being closely watched. Political observers note that Vijay’s eventual choice of constituency will not only define his personal electoral prospects but also signal the party’s broader campaign strategy.
The coming weeks are likely to see intensified consultations within the party as it seeks to translate early enthusiasm into an organised and effective electoral campaign. Vijay’s decision on where to contest is expected to play a key role in shaping TVK’s positioning in the state’s political landscape.