Chennai, Feb 2 (Reporter) Popular Tamil film actor Vijay on Friday finally took the formal political plunge by launching his own party, much to the delight of scores of his fans, who celebrated it across Tamil Nadu and vowed to make him as the Chief Minister. Ending all speculations about his political entry, the most popular and highest-paid actor christened his political party as "Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam". (Tamil Victory party) Ruling out contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls due in 2-3 months time or extending support to any alliance/Front, Mr Vijay, in a statement here his party would contest the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The much and eagerly awaited political entry and the launch of the political parties comes in the backdrop of Mr Vijay's meeting with the office-bearers of his "Vijay Makkal Iyakkam" (people's movement, which has been rendering various assistance to the people during natural calamaties like heavy rain and cyclone) to discuss the future plans His Iyakkam members had also contested the local body polls. Mr. Vijay said, while on the one hand a culture of corruption in society and in administration is plaguing the polity in the State, on the other hand there is politics of hate and divisiveness. “It is a fact that everyone is hoping for selfless, transparent, no bias in terms of caste-religion and a governance without corruption. What is important is that such a politics should be in tune with the Tamil culture of equality and political traditions of the State that respects the Indian Constitution,” he said. The party will start propagating its ‘Tamil Nadu-centric’ ideology and party’s flag, policies to the people through public events after the 2024 Lok Saba elections. Stating that he does not consider politics as another occupation, but as a “holy service of people”, the actor said “I have learnt not just the heights of politics but its depths from his seniors in politics. Politics is not my hobby, it is my quest”. He said he would fully involve himself in politics after completing his film commitments. Vijay joins the list of illustrious actors, who had taken the political plunge that included late leaders Bharat Ratna MGR, Ms J Jayalalithaa (AIADMK) and Vijayakanth (DMDK), besides Kamal Haasan (Makkal Needhi Miam), R.Sarathkumar (All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi), actor-director Seeman (Naam Tamizhar Katchi), among others. Late DMK Patriarch M.Karunanidhi too was connected with the Tamil Film industry by penning dialogues for various films. Though superstar Rajinikanth too had nursed political ambitions and his fans expected that he would take the plunge and launch his new party, he chose otherwise and refrained from entering politics citing his health condition. Several Tamil films actors, including Thespian Sivaji Ganesan, K Bhagyaraaj and others too tried their hand in politics, but could not succeed in a major way...////...