Parties' love for Vijay: Genuine or strategy?

THE recent comments of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who is leading the AIADMK Cadres Rights Retrieval Committee, DMDK treasurer Premalatha Vijayakant, and AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran about the possibility of Vijay creating an impact in the 2026 poll have triggered speculation about whether it's genuine outreach by these parties to the TVK headed by the actor or if they are just trying to increase their bargaining power for more seats with the DMK or AIADMK blocs for the Assembly election due in eight months.

- T MURUGANANDHAM @ Chennai

Forty-five days ago, when asked about Vijay's political entry, Panneerselvam said that the actor is making the right moves and he has his moral support. On Monday, in Tenkasi, when asked whether he would be going back to the NDA, OPS said that ACRRC's alliance would be decided by the people. "But I am sure it would be a good alliance," he added. When specifically asked if he would join hands with Vijay's party, the ex-CM said, "Anything is possible in the future."