NTK’s leadership confident Vijay would not be able to eat into its ‘politically conscious’ support base

Ever since Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay announced that Dravidianism and Tamil nationalism would be the ‘two eyes’ of his party, the leader has been facing consistent criticism from Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief co-ordinator Seeman, who has been prescribing Tamil nationalism as the only alternative to ‘Dravidian ideology’.

Responding to Mr. Vijay’s speech during the TVK’s second public rally, Mr. Seeman said Dravidian ideology, a “hegemonic ideology” prevailing in Tamil Nadu over the last 60 years, cannot be defeated by the charisma of film actors.

“Dravidianism, as an ideology, has been in practice in this State for more than 60 years. It can be defeated only by a better alternative. You cannot defeat it through films (star). We have put forth Tamil nationalism as an alternative to Dravidam. We are putting forward alternative policies to what is being implemented by the DMK. He [Mr. Vijay] is not saying ‘vote for my policies’. He is saying ‘vote for my face’,” said Mr. Seeman.

Sources in the NTK admit that Mr. Vijay may not pose an electoral threat but could be a disruptor to the firebrand Tamil nationalism that the NTK has championed over the past 15 years.

A young office-bearer, who is active within the party, said, “We see Mr. Vijay primarily as a disruptor. Of course, he has huge support from young people, but they are mostly non-politicised. But, more importantly, Mr. Vijay himself is non-politicised. He is purely driven by the need to enjoy power. We don’t believe that the party is going to take off beyond a point.”

NTK spokesperson Packiarajan Sethuramalaingam added that if the NTK doesn’t respond to Mr. Vijay, it would be akin to allowing him to undo all the ideological gains of the party.

“We have been patiently sowing the seeds of Tamil nationalism against Dravidianism in Tamil Nadu over 15 years. We cannot allow someone to undo these gains. We have created a following that is politically motivated: we have spoken about environmental politics, on the need for a separate Eelam, and put forth the Tamil identity as our primary identity, instead of caste, religion, and so on. But Mr. Vijay is purely trying to mobilise crowds and get votes based on his persona and charisma,” said Mr. Sethuramalingam.

He added, “We are confident that our party, which had polled 8.2% votes in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has created committed and politically literate voters.”