CHENNAI: A day after actor Vijay announced that his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was prepared to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections on its own, the declaration has triggered visible unease within the fledgling party, with cadres and functionaries questioning the lack of organisational clarity, financial preparedness and a defined electoral roadmap.
While Vijay's statement on Sunday sought to draw a line under weeks of speculation over alliance talks, it has instead brought simmering internal anxieties to the fore, particularly among district and state-level leaders who say the party is ill-equipped at this stage for a solo electoral contest.
Until recently, a significant section of the TVK leadership was confident that the Congress would break away from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and align with TVK. That expectation failed to materialise, with the Congress high command choosing to remain with the DMK, even as a section of its leaders was said to favour an understanding with Vijay's party.
Cadres now allege that alliance prospects were oversold. "We were repeatedly told that the Congress and other secular forces would come together with TVK and that we would contest as part of a mega alliance. We trusted that assurance and worked with that belief. After the solo announcement, many of us feel the ground reality was not communicated honestly," multiple district-level functionaries told DT Next.
Financial strain has emerged as a major concern. Party workers said substantial resources had already been spent during the Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam phase and after its transformation into TVK, including on welfare activities and organisational expansion. "We have spent lakhs and crores over the years. Contesting an Assembly election alone requires a much larger financial base," a cadre said.
Beyond finances, cadres noted a lack of direction in election preparation. "There is no clarity on campaigning, booth-level coordination or door-to-door outreach. Committees exist, but most have met only once or twice, with no concrete decisions emerging," a Chennai suburban district secretary said.
Internal factionalism has further weakened morale, cadres alleged. Rival groups at the district and constituency levels continue to clash, with limited intervention from the leadership. "In Chennai itself, several key party posts remain vacant. Even routine organisational matters are yet to be streamlined," the district secretary added.
A state-level functionary said differences within the top leadership were aggravating the situation. "There are unresolved issues at the state level involving senior office-bearers, and that confusion has percolated down to districts and grassroots units," the functionary told this correspondent.
With the DMK, AIADMK and Seeman's NTK already well into election mode, TVK's slow organisational consolidation is worrying its own ranks. "Without an alliance, morale has dipped. Contesting alone, even in perceived strong pockets, will not be easy," the functionary said.
Another leader underlined the need for Vijay's deeper political engagement. "The announcement has been made, but the party now needs day-to-day guidance. His sustained presence on the ground is essential to understand grassroots realities and provide direction," the leader added.