This is an archive article published on August 22, 2024
A flag and an anthem mark Vijay’s definitive entry into Tamil politics
The film star’s entry into politics was confirmed earlier this year when he announced the formation of the TVK and declared his intention to participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
Tamil cinema superstar Vijay took a definitive step toward active politics by launching the flag and anthem of his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), at the party’s headquarters in Panaiyur near Chennai on Thursday.
The event, which marks the beginning of his foray into politics, saw the actor formally introduce his party’s symbols to his supporters.
The flag, a striking design featuring two colours – red on top and bottom and yellow in the middle – was hoisted by Vijay himself. At the centre of the flag is the Vaagai flower, flanked by two trumpeting elephants. The Vaagai flower, deeply rooted in Tamil history, was worn by ancient warriors as a symbol of victory.
According to a party office bearer, the elephants, symbolising the people’s force, frame the flower, adding a sense of strength and resilience to the flag’s imagery.
In his address to party workers, whom he referred to as ‘thozhargal’ (comrades), Vijay expressed his pride in unveiling the flag, not just as a party emblem, but as a beacon of hope for the future generations of Tamil Nadu. “We worked for ourselves thus far. Let’s all work for Tamil Nadu and the upliftment of the people as a party in the coming years,” he said.
The event also featured the launch of the party’s flag song, Thamizhan Kodi Parakuthu (The Tamil Flag Flies High). The anthem was accompanied by the unveiling of a pledge that outlines the party’s commitment to democratic principles, equality, and social justice.
Vijay’s long anticipated entry into politics was confirmed earlier this year when he announced the formation of the TVK and declared his intention to participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party chose to stay away from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
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During the event, Vijay’s parents, film director S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, were also present. Even though there were controversies surrounding the tussle between Vijay and his father recently, their approval was evident as they gave a thumbs up to the party’s general secretary, N Anand, when the party anthem played.
“I don’t see it as a mere flag of a party. Rather, I see it as a flag of the victory of future generations of Tamil Nadu,” Vijay said, urging his followers to hoist the flag not only in their homes but also in their hearts.
Vijay’s transition from the silver screen to the political stage is being made possible by converting his fan association, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI). Anand, the leader of VMI, continues to be the most recognisable face of his party too, other than Vijay.
Arun Janardhanan is an experienced and authoritative Tamil Nadu correspondent for The Indian Express. Based in the state, his reporting combines ground-level access with long-form clarity, offering readers a nuanced understanding of South India’s political, judicial, and cultural life - work that reflects both depth of expertise and sustained authority.
Expertise
Geographic Focus: As Tamil Nadu Correspondent focused on politics, crime, faith and disputes, Janardhanan has been also reporting extensively on Sri Lanka, producing a decade-long body of work on its elections, governance, and the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings through detailed stories and interviews.
Key Coverage Areas:
State Politics and Governance: Close reporting on the DMK and AIADMK, the emergence of new political actors such as actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party churn, Centre–State tensions, and the role of the Governor.
Legal and Judicial Affairs: Consistent coverage of the Madras High Court, including religion-linked disputes and cases involving state authority and civil liberties.
Investigations: Deep-dive series on landmark cases and unresolved questions, including the Tirupati encounter and the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, alongside multiple investigative series from Tamil Nadu.
Culture, Society, and Crisis: Reporting on cultural organisations, language debates, and disaster coverage—from cyclones to prolonged monsoon emergencies—anchored in on-the-ground detail.
His reporting has been recognised with the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Beyond journalism, Janardhanan is also a screenwriter; his Malayalam feature film Aarkkariyam was released in 2021. ... Read More
