Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram has stated that actor Vijay's ambitious goal of coming to power in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections will not materialize. This assessment comes despite Chidambaram extending his wishes to the popular actor for his political plunge.
Chidambaram's Meeting with Stalin and Subsequent Remarks
Chidambaram's comments follow his meeting with Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M K Stalin last week. While the details of their discussion were not fully disclosed, the senior Congress figure used the opportunity to share his perspective on the shifting political landscape in the state.
He acknowledged Vijay's formal entry into politics but was quick to temper expectations about the actor's immediate electoral success. The core of Chidambaram's argument hinges on the existing alliance structure, where the Indian National Congress is a key partner of the ruling DMK.
The Alliance Factor in Tamil Nadu Politics
Chidambaram implied that the established coalition, which has a strong hold on a significant portion of the electorate, presents a formidable challenge for any new political entity. The DMK-led alliance, with the Congress as a major constituent, is seen as a well-organized political front with deep grassroots connections.
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election is already shaping up to be a high-stakes battle. Vijay's party, which is yet to be formally named, aims to position itself as a viable alternative to both the DMK and the principal opposition, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
Implications for the 2026 Electoral Battle
Chidambaram's statement underscores the confidence of the existing alliance in its electoral prospects. It also highlights the significant hurdles that nascent parties face in a state where political loyalties and alliance arithmetic have historically played decisive roles.
While Vijay commands immense popularity as a film star, translating that into votes against established political coalitions is an untested challenge. The political veteran's remarks, made on December 31, 2025, set the stage for a fiercely contested election where new entrants will have to prove their organizational mettle.
The coming months will reveal how Vijay's political foray impacts the traditional vote banks and whether it can disrupt the long-standing dynamics of Tamil Nadu's bipolar political contest, now complicated by a strong alliance framework.
