Prashant Kishor Meets Actor-Politician Vijay, Fuels 2026 TN Election Buzz

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching in 2026, political strategist Prashant Kishor met Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay at his Neelankarai residence on Monday, February 10.

The meeting, lasting over two hours and attended by senior TVK functionaries, has fueled speculation about Kishor’s potential role in Vijay’s political journey.

Prashant Kishor’s Expected Role in TVK’s Electoral Strategy

According to Hindustan Times, Kishor is likely to serve as a special advisor to Vijay for the 2026 elections, helping to craft TVK’s political strategies.

This development follows the induction of Aadhav Arjuna, a former Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader, as TVK’s General Secretary for Election Campaign Management.

Arjuna, who was suspended from VCK for criticizing the ruling DMK, facilitated the meeting between Vijay and Kishor.

Vijay has positioned himself as an opponent of the DMK while also standing ideologically against the BJP. With Tamil Nadu’s political landscape evolving, this meeting signals a shift in electoral strategies ahead of 2026.

Criticism from Political Rivals

The meeting between Vijay and Kishor has drawn sharp criticism from BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman.

Annamalai dismissed Vijay’s decision to seek advice from a strategist rather than engaging directly with the people.

“If you meet the people, they will tell you their suffering, and if you address them, that is politics. Instead, why sit inside an AC room and meet a political strategist? Go for a padyatra, take Kaavadi, meet the people on the road. People are the real political strategists,” he stated.

Seeman also criticized Vijay’s reliance on strategists, arguing that it prioritizes financial power over grassroots efforts.

“I have brains but no money. I don’t need Prashant Kishor. What does he know about Tamil Nadu? Does he know how many rivers, lakes, and communities exist here? This obsession with strategists has become a disease,” Seeman remarked.

Responses from Other Political Parties

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan referred to TVK as a “political startup” and remarked that Kishor, a businessman-turned-politician, was free to explore opportunities.

“What impact this will have on the people and the political climate, only time will tell,” he said.

DMK MP Kanimozhi downplayed the significance of the meeting, emphasizing that DMK relies on its party workers for election strategies.

“Prashant Kishor is a professional strategist. Whoever calls him, he works with them. What do we have to do with this? DMK will take on the elections with the strength of its party workers,” she stated.

DMK Organisational Secretary TKS Elangovan acknowledged Kishor’s past contributions but stressed DMK’s grassroots strength.

“We have been contesting elections since 1975. In 1967, there was no such strategist for DMK. Only in 2021, after 10 years of BJP rule, someone suggested this person, and he worked in a way that was helpful. However, our party has a base in every village, with over one lakh well-established branches. New parties like TVK will take time to establish themselves,” he noted.

Kishor’s Political Influence and TVK’s Future Plans

Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj party in Bihar, has a history of advising political parties, including DMK’s successful campaign in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

His meeting with Vijay in Chennai on Tuesday has set off political ripples, signaling a structured approach to TVK’s electoral ambitions.

During the three-hour discussion, Kishor provided strategic insights into Tamil Nadu’s and India’s broader political scenario.

A source quoted by the Times of India stated, “The meeting was very cordial. Kishor shared his experience in strategy. The talks veered around the current political scenario in Tamil Nadu and nationally.”

Though no formal agreement has been signed, Vijay is expected to consult Kishor regularly as TVK prepares to challenge both the DMK and BJP in 2026.

Kishor, who previously worked with the DMK in 2021, is now set to offer guidance to TVK’s internal teams, including General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna and Vijay’s strategist Jhon Arokiasamy.

Vijay’s Political Ideology and Upcoming Plans

Vijay has made it clear that he will be the chief ministerial candidate for TVK in 2026. He has cited social reformer Periyar, Constitution architect BR Ambedkar, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Kamaraj, and freedom fighters Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal as his ideological inspirations.

Vijay’s upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to be his final movie before he fully transitions into politics.

Following the film’s release, he is set to embark on a statewide tour to strengthen TVK’s grassroots presence, beginning with the appointment of district functionaries.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 elections, Vijay’s political moves, combined with Prashant Kishor’s strategic input, will be closely watched in the coming months.