Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who heads the political outfit Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made headlines with his recent statements regarding the controversial National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and his party’s readiness to contest the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Vijay has been vocal about his opposition to NEET, a national-level entrance examination for medical and dental courses in India. He has expressed concerns over the perceived disadvantage it poses to students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, often citing the disparities in educational resources and coaching facilities.
With the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu on the horizon, Vijay’s TVK party is gearing up to contest seats across the state. This announcement comes amidst a political landscape dominated by established parties, signaling TVK’s intent to carve out a significant presence in Tamil Nadu’s political arena.
The decision to contest the upcoming elections presents several challenges for TVK, including building a robust organizational structure, garnering electoral support, and competing against well-established political entities. However, Vijay’s popularity as a film star and his ability to connect with the masses could provide the party with a distinct advantage in mobilizing public support, feels political critic Somasekhar.
‘TVK is expected to focus its electoral campaign on issues pertinent to Tamil Nadu, including education reform, social justice, and regional autonomy. Vijay’s stance against NEET is likely to resonate with segments of the electorate concerned about educational equity and access to higher education’, he adds
Vijay’s entry into electoral politics has sparked discussions among political analysts and the public alike. ‘His ability to influence voters, especially among the youth and film fraternity, may influence the dynamics of the 2026 elections and potentially reshape Tamil Nadu’s political landscape’, says an office-bearer of TVK on conditions of anonymity.
As Vijay and TVK prepare for the 2026 assembly elections, all eyes will be on their campaign strategies, alliances formed, and the reception they receive from the electorate. ‘With issues like NEET at the forefront of their agenda, the party aims to bring about substantive change and provide a viable alternative to the existing political establishment in Tamil Nadu’, winds up political strategist Ananth Kumar
