Actor-politician Vijay to contest from two constituencies in Tamil Nadu

Actor-politician Vijay alias C Joseph Vijay, has announced that he will contest the upcoming elections to the Tamil Nadu assembly, marking the transition of one of India's most bankable stars to the world of politics.

At a party gathering in the south Indian metropolis of Chennai, the actor said he will enter the fray from Perambur in the state capital and in Tiruchirappalli East, in central Tamil Nadu. "It will be C Joseph Vijay from these constituencies," the star of hits such as Leo, Varisu, Beast and Master said. The announcement was met with loud applause and cheers from members of the TVK.

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Elections in Tamil Nadu have traditionally been bipolar contests, between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, led by the state's Chief Minister MK Stalin; and the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, now led by former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

This time, Vijay's entry has injected uncertainty. The popular star with a massive fan following formed his party barely two years ago and political observers have projected the TVK to gather a substantial slice of the vote share away from both the established political coalitions.

Vijay's choice of his constituencies reveals an interesting trend. Perambur in Chennai abuts the Kolathur constituency, which is MK Stalin's home turf. The other, Tiruchirappalli East, is considered a DMK bastion.

The move comes even as Vijay's swan-song, Jana Nayagan, starring Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol and Prakash Raj, has not released for nearly three months now after the country's censor board is yet to clear it.

Promises in party manifesto

Among the promises made by Vijay's TVK include a monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 (Dh155 approximately) for graduates and Rs 2,000 (Dh77.5) for diploma holders. The party has also promised a local employment for local people scheme, which it promises to implement once elected to power.

The party has also said it would bear the higher education expenses of students from poor farming families, particularly those who own less than two acres of land.

Criticism from across the spectrum

Vijay has faced criticism from across the political spectrum for his alleged relationship with popular actress Trisha Krishnan, his co-star in hits such as Ghilli, Leo and Kuruvi.

In February, Nainar Nagendran, the Tamil Nadu unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a coalition partner of the AIADMK, said Vijay should "come out of Trisha's house", if he is to make a difference in politics.

“Poor man, he is inexperienced," Nagendran had said. "Come out of your house... Come out of Trisha’s house first, (only) then (can) something can happen."

Earlier this month, actor Parthiban, too, made a jibe against Trisha, stating that it's best if she stays at home as her public appearances with Vijay can cause problems.