Vijay's Fan Club Transforms into Political Force in Tamil Nadu Elections
Tamil Nadu elections: Vijay’s fan army turns into winning machine
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
K V Vijay Damu, a former district secretary of the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (Vijay Fan Club), won the Royapuram assembly seat in North Chennai as part of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The party, launched in early 2024, capitalized on its 15 million fan club members to secure electoral success, with many candidates being former fan club members.
- 01K V Vijay Damu won the Royapuram assembly seat, defeating established political figures.
- 02The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party was formed from the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which had 15 million members.
- 0340% of TVK candidates were former members of the Vijay Fan Club.
- 04The party's structure mirrors that of traditional political organizations, allowing for effective campaigning.
- 05Vijay's influence and the fan clubs' community connections were pivotal in the election success.
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K V Vijay Damu, a first-time MLA, secured victory in the Royapuram assembly seat in North Chennai, representing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. Damu, previously the North Chennai district secretary of the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (Vijay Fan Club), won against AIADMK's D Jayakumar and DMK's A Subair Khan by a margin of 14,249 votes, receiving 59,091 votes in total. The TVK, launched in early 2024, leveraged the extensive network of the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which boasts 15 million members from approximately 85,000 local fan clubs. Many candidates, including Damu, were new to politics, which resonated with voters tired of traditional politicians. The party's success is attributed to its structured approach, mirroring political organizations, and its focus on community engagement. Prominent leaders within the party include former political strategists and officials, enhancing its credibility and outreach. Damu expressed a collective dream among candidates to see Vijay, affectionately known as 'Thalapathy,' become Chief Minister, indicating the personal connection and loyalty that underpins the party's foundation.
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The rise of the TVK party, rooted in fan club culture, signifies a shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, engaging younger voters and potentially reshaping future elections.
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