Tamil Nadu Politics 2024: Vijay’s Entry, Annamalai's Rise, & Udhayanidhi's Elevation

The year 2024 proved to be eventful in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, dominated by a landslide victory for the DMK-led alliance in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 38 out of 39 seats. Amid this, three political figures stood out, making headlines for their significant contributions and rising influence.

Thalapathy Vijay's Entry into Politics
One of the most talked-about moments of the year was Thalapathy Vijay's foray into politics with the launch of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in February. While he chose to stay out of the Lok Sabha polls, Vijay has his eyes firmly set on the 2026 Assembly elections.

The actor-turned-politician made waves by excluding "Dravida" from his party's name, signalling a departure from conventional Dravidian political ideologies. Vijay's first public rally in November was a major success, where his speech resonated widely as he criticized the BJP for communal politics and the DMK for corruption.

Vijay's political ideology centers on Dalit welfare and upliftment, drawing inspiration from icons like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Periyar. However, he maintains a distinct stance from Periyar on matters of religion. Political analysts believe Vijay's party could make a significant impact in the upcoming elections, especially if he forms a strong alliance.

BJP's Rise Under K. Annamalai
Under K. Annamalai's leadership, the BJP achieved unprecedented growth in Tamil Nadu, increasing its vote share from 3.66% in 2019 to 11.24% in 2024, surpassing the Congress (10.67%). This places the BJP third in terms of vote share, trailing behind the DMK (26.93%) and AIADMK (20.46%).

The BJP also secured the second position in nine constituencies and expanded its reach, even without being part of the DMK or AIADMK-led alliances. Annamalai, as the face of the party, worked tirelessly to build the BJP's presence in Tamil Nadu.

Although he lost his seat in Coimbatore due to an understanding between DMK and AIADMK, Annamalai's efforts have been credited with reshaping the party's fortunes in the state. Despite internal dissent within the party's state unit, Annamalai retains the backing of the central leadership.

Udhayanidhi Stalin's Elevation as Deputy Chief Minister
Another major development was the elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister. At 46, Udhayanidhi, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, is being groomed for a prominent role in the 2026 Assembly elections, as the DMK aims to retain power.

Udhayanidhi's political journey began with his appointment as the DMK Youth Wing Secretary in 2019, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the party's ideological roots and expanding its youth outreach through technology-driven initiatives.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, his "single brick" campaign, highlighting the stalled Madurai AIIMS project, showcased his ability to connect with the masses. In 2023, his remarks on Sanatan Dharma sparked a national controversy but also reinforced the DMK's ideological stance against caste-based discrimination and regressive practices.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, these three leaders - Thalapathy Vijay, K. Annamalai, and Udhayanidhi Stalin - are expected to play important roles in shaping the state's political narrative.

Vijay's debut, Annamalai's BJP resurgence, and Udhayanidhi's elevation signal a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics, where traditional alliances and ideologies face dynamic challenges.