Vijay addresses a protest demanding the Sri Lankan consulate in Tamil Nadu is shut down, 2014.
Renowned Tamil Nadu actor 'Thalapathy' Vijay, one of the highest-paid in India, today announced he is qutting acting and entering politics in order to "help the people of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil community".
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known professionally as Vijay, said, "It is my long-term intention and desire to help the people of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil community, who gave me name, fame, and everything after my parents".
He has formed a political party entitled 'Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam'. The statement further said a decision had been taken, not to contest the 2024 elections and "we are not going to support any party". He also says that he applied on 2 February on behalf of his party to register with the Chief Election Commission of India. “2026 is our goal. Upon securing approval from ECI and after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, we will be deciding upon the symbol, flag, ideologies, and policies as well as meeting and greeting people to begin our political journey.”
Vijay also announced that he would quit acting, stating "my prolonged commitment to politics is not merely a profession but a sacred duty to the people". "Politics, in my perspective, is not a pastime; it is my profound endeavour."
#தமிழகவெற்றிகழகம் #TVKVijay pic.twitter.com/ShwpbxNvuM
— TVK Vijay (@tvkvijayoffl) February 2, 2024
Vijay’s support for the Tamil Eelam liberation struggle has been well known throughout the years and he has often taken part in fasts and protests in support of Eelam Tamils. He is married to Sangeetha Sornalingam Pillai, herself an Eelam Tamil.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
