New Delhi: "When Vijay asked people to come and vote, we took it seriously and went," said a resident of Trilokpuri, capturing the unusual enthusiasm around the actor's political debut in Tamil Nadu.
Election Results 2026
In a stunning first outing, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Monday surged ahead in the state assembly elections, challenging the long-standing dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). At the time of going to press, trends showed the party had won or was leading in over 100 seats, inching close to the 118-seat majority mark to record a historic victory.
Vijay's Appeal Translates into Votes
Seen by supporters as a towering screen icon in the league of Rajinikanth, Vijay's appeal appears to have translated into votes on an unprecedented scale. In east Delhi, migrant voters with roots in Tamil Nadu turned the election into a cross-country exercise. Families spent their own money, booked tickets weeks in advance and travelled nearly 48 hours by train to cast their votes. Some even flew when trains were unavailable. A few made quick turnarounds, voting one day and returning the next, all at their own expense. For many, it was their first time making the journey to vote, driven by a shared call for change.
The remarkable rise of TVK is not just about numbers on a scoreboard, but about the emotional pull that reached far beyond the state's borders. In pockets like Trilokpuri, where, as per residents, thousands trace their roots to Tamil Nadu, the election became a collective mission.
Families Travelled Together
Entire families travelled together, some counting every vote in the household. "All of us went, including my parents and siblings. There were six votes in our family. One of my relatives even took a flight as he could not book a train ticket," said Tamil Selvi, who works as a domestic help in nearby Mayur Vihar Phase 1.
For many, the decision was shaped by a sense of urgency and dissatisfaction. Selvi pointed to recent incidents of unrest in the state, saying people felt "there isn't that care anymore" and that it was time for change. The message from Vijay's campaign -- that "every vote matters" -- resonated strongly. "He said we shouldn't waste our vote," she recalled, explaining why even those who had never voted before chose to travel.
For many like Selvi, support for Vijay did not begin with politics, but with years of watching him on screen, following his films and celebrating his releases even while living far from Tamil Nadu. "He is our favourite. We watch his movies in theatres whenever they release in Delhi. My favourite is Sarkar," she said.
Voters Sought an Alternative
Vinod, another resident who works at a bank office in Delhi and is a native of Tamil Nadu's Veerapuram, estimated that 200-250 people from Trilokpuri alone made the trip. The motivation, he said, was clear -- after years of dominance by two major parties, people wanted an alternative.
Echoing similar sentiments about the scale of participation, Manju, another resident, said the turnout in Tamil Nadu went far beyond just Delhi-based voters. "It wasn't limited to people in Delhi. Many, including first-time voters, travelled from outside as well. Even those who don't usually participate felt this time it truly mattered, and made the effort to vote," she said.
Vinod said everyday concerns also drove participation. Issues with documentation and accessing services back home had lingered, and voters expressed hope that a new government might address them. "People are expecting things will improve now," he said.
TVK's Rapid Rise
TVK's performance places it among a rare set of parties such as AAP and AGP that made rapid electoral breakthroughs, winning power soon after their formation. The party had generated significant buzz from the outset.
But beyond the buzz, it is the image of voters travelling across states, spending their own money and time that defines this moment. For them, this journey was about being part of what they see as a turning point back home.
