The political landscape in Puducherry is set for a significant shift as actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has officially decided to contest the 2026 assembly elections on its own. This decision comes after the party's alliance negotiations with the ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC) reached a definitive dead end.
Alliance Talks Collapse Over BJP Stance
The primary roadblock in the TVK-AINRC talks was the latter's firm commitment to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Discussions were held in Chennai on November 27 and 28, followed by a meeting between TVK leaders and Chief Minister N Rangasamy in Puducherry. However, Rangasamy conveyed that the BJP remains central to his electoral strategy, especially with the union territory government seeking approvals from the Centre for welfare schemes planned ahead of the 2026 polls.
In response, TVK clearly stated that it does not wish to be part of any political front that includes the BJP. This fundamental difference in alignment made a coalition impossible. Despite the breakdown, it is noted that Rangasamy was among the first to publicly congratulate Vijay after TVK's launch, and the two leaders have maintained a cordial rapport.
A Multi-Cornered Contest Takes Shape
With TVK entering the fray independently, the Union Territory is now headed for a fiercely competitive multi-cornered contest. The electoral battlefield will feature:
- The incumbent NDA alliance comprising AINRC and the BJP.
- The opposition DMK-led front.
- The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).
- The newly entered Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Adding another layer to the contest, Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin, is also set to launch a party and enter the political arena. This proliferation of parties promises a complex and fragmented electoral outcome.
TVK's Strategy and Campaign Kick-off
TVK general secretary N Anand, a former MLA from Puducherry, will oversee the party's election work and is also expected to be a candidate. The party's campaign is poised to begin in earnest next week, pending permission for a public meeting. TVK had initially requested a road show, but it was denied. The party is now hopeful of securing permission for a public gathering near the Uppalam harbour ground on December 9.
Once the green light is received, actor-politician Vijay is scheduled to kickstart his campaign in Puducherry, marking a significant moment for his fledgling party's foray into union territory politics.
Confident Allies and Resolved Differences
Despite the new challenge posed by TVK, the existing NDA partners express confidence. BJP Puducherry unit President VP Ramalingam asserted that the alliance with AINRC and the AIADMK remains intact. He claimed that the coalition would sweep the elections regardless of Vijay's entry. Ramalingam also mentioned that earlier differences between Chief Minister Rangasamy and Lieutenant Governor Kailasanathan have been resolved, positioning the alliance for a comprehensive victory, which he likened to a "Bihar-style result."
The stage is now set for a dramatic political showdown in 2026, with TVK's solo plunge adding a major wildcard to Puducherry's already dynamic political scene.
