Chennai, 27 Feb (H.S.):

The Indian National Congress is reportedly making moves to bring actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder and president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), to Kerala for election campaigning, according to sources familiar with the development. Senior Congress leaders are said to have initiated discussions with Vijay regarding his possible participation in the party’s campaign efforts in the state.

While no official announcement has been made, a senior Congress leader has indicated that Vijay has been informally invited to campaign in Kerala. The outreach comes amid growing speculation about a potential political understanding between the Congress and TVK in the run-up to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that the Congress leadership has been exploring the possibility of forging an alliance with TVK in Tamil Nadu. Party insiders believe that a tie-up with Vijay’s outfit could energize the cadre base and expand the Congress’s electoral footprint, particularly among younger voters and urban constituencies where the actor commands significant influence.

Political observers note that Vijay’s entry into active politics has reshaped early electoral calculations in Tamil Nadu. His popularity among youth and first-time voters has drawn attention from multiple parties seeking strategic partnerships ahead of the Assembly polls. Against this backdrop, Congress leaders are understood to view engagement with TVK as a forward-looking move aimed at strengthening the broader opposition space.

AICC observer for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar acknowledged that several parties have approached the Congress regarding possible alliances. He described such outreach as a “positive development” and indicated that discussions are ongoing as part of the party’s wider election strategy. However, he stopped short of confirming any formal agreement with TVK.

If Vijay agrees to campaign in Kerala, it would mark a significant cross-border political appearance and could signal deeper cooperation between the Congress and TVK. For now, both parties remain tight-lipped, with formal decisions expected only after internal consultations are completed.

As election preparations intensify in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the coming weeks are likely to clarify whether this emerging political engagement translates into a structured alliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman