Chennai, March 16 As the countdown to the 2026 Assembly elections begins, the focus within TVK has shifted to polling booths.
While TVK chief Vijay keeps his strategy close to his chest, his supporters are already working to secure potential strongholds. The ground-level workers are vocal about where their leader should campaign.
Sangeetha M has advocated for her home district, Chengalpattu, where, according to her, people are most affected by drug abuse.
"I understand why most people would prefer a constituency with a large base of supporters for Thalapathy. But I believe the supporters alone will not determine the outcome. It will be the people who are desperate for change," said the 39-year-old, who has been a fan of Vijay since she was 11 years old.
Sangeetha, who runs a tailoring shop in Chromepet, said that Chengalpattu has tried appealing to both the DMK and AIADMK, but with no success.
"These two parties take turns in power. But nothing really changes on the ground here in this constituency. Now, the people of Chengalpattu are keen on real change. That's why I believe that if Vijay contests here, he will win easily," said the party worker, who has been promised the position of joint secretary.
Vardarajan, the owner of a two-wheeler showroom originally from Kancheepuram but now living in Poonamallee, believes that either Perambur or Virugambakkam, or both, would be ideal. He believes these two constituencies have a large number of Vijay supporters.
"We are not looking for a safe seat; we are looking for a statement," said the 37-year-old, who is currently lobbying for a position in the party.
Sandhya, a 29-year-old data entry operator, is convinced that Perambur and Tambaram will be the ideal constituencies for Vijay. "This is what I have observed by talking to other fans and friends," said Sandhya, who describes herself as a "crazy fan" who used to skip school to watch Vijay's first-day-first-shows.
Vellore district secretary R Velmurugan has advocated for Vijay's "home ground," Virugambakkam, as he believes that the high concentration of young voters and a large urban fanbase will bridge the gap between cinema and politics.
"Perambur also has a good mix of fans and young voters," he added.
Vignesh, 35, who has been promised the position of Chengalpattu district secretary, said he would be "extremely happy" if his role model contested from Pallavaram, his hometown.
"But yes, that would be my wishful thinking. Logically, I believe that Thalapathy should contest from Madurai, our political capital. So far, it has been the place where he has received the most support, with a massive turnout. That city is ready to crown him," Vignesh added.