Tamil Nadu polls: TVK says no alliance with any party, to contest all 234 seats solo

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's party TVK has announced it will contest all 234 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections without any alliances. The decision marks a departure from traditional Tamil Nadu politics, where even established parties like the DMK and AIADMK have historically relied on coalition partners. The report highlights significant challenges facing the newcomer party, including the lack of organisational base at the booth level, shortage of campaign resources and funds, and difficulty in finding candidates for all seats. The analysis notes that a fan club cannot easily transition into an election machine for a political party. Additionally, ongoing legal battles, including the Karur stampede case where Vijay has requested further CBI questioning be conducted in Chennai, could distract from campaign efforts. The report questions whether star power alone can translate into electoral success without the backing of an experienced political organisation.