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Mumbai: Author and columnist Shobhaa De has weighed in on the political rise of actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, crediting young voters for his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She also urged critics to give the newcomer a fair chance despite his lack of political experience.

Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Assembly, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

Gen Z voters played key role

Speaking about the results, Shobhaa De said Vijay’s appeal among younger voters was a decisive factor in the party’s performance.

“Vijay is a novice. He’s won on a young vote… the Gen Z vote… He appealed to them,” she said, highlighting how first-time and young voters contributed to the outcome.

While acknowledging that Vijay has yet to establish himself as a seasoned politician, she stressed that electoral success reflects public support and trust.

‘Give him a chance’, says Shobhaa De

Shobhaa De emphasised the importance of democratic opportunity, stating that Vijay should not be judged prematurely.

“In a democracy, everyone is given that chance. He has got that chance. Now, we shouldn’t judge him because of his lack of experience. Let’s give him a chance and see what he has to offer,” she said.

Her remarks come amid ongoing debates over Vijay’s political capabilities and readiness to lead.

Film stars in Tamil Nadu politics

Drawing parallels with the state’s political history, Shobhaa De pointed out that Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of film stars transitioning into politics.

She cited the example of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, who entered politics without extensive experience but went on to become one of the most influential leaders in the state.

“The cult of movie stars gathering massive followings in Tamil Nadu is not new. Most iconic Chief Ministers started their careers as popular stars. He’s the next one,” she said.

Government formation efforts underway

The political scenario in Tamil Nadu remains fluid after TVK secured 108 seats, falling short of the majority mark of 118 in the Assembly.

The Indian National Congress, which won five seats, has already extended conditional support to Vijay’s party for government formation.

Meanwhile, TVK has reportedly reached out to other parties, including the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), in an effort to secure additional backing.

Conclusion

Shobhaa De’s comments underline the evolving nature of Tamil Nadu politics, where cinema and public appeal continue to intersect with electoral success. While Vijay’s entry into politics has sparked both enthusiasm and scepticism, his party’s performance signals a changing voter dynamic, particularly among the youth.

As coalition discussions progress, all eyes will be on how Vijay navigates the challenges of governance and whether he can translate electoral momentum into effective leadership.