CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam at the The Hindu office
| Photo Credit:
SRINATH M
“I would strongly dispute the claim that support for Joseph Vijay is unprecedented,” said P Shanmugam, Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tamil Nadu.
Questioning the narrative around the large crowds gathering to see the actor-turned-politician, Shanmugam said that such turnout should not be misconstrued as a sign of electoral strength. “People are naturally curious to see an actor — whom they have only watched on the silver screen — step out into public life for the first time. We do not interpret these crowds as political endorsement,” he told The Hindu group of journalists on Wednesday.
He cautioned against assuming that public enthusiasm would translate into votes or trigger political change in the State. “It is a fallacy to believe that this will automatically convert into votes aimed at bringing about a change in government,” he said.
While acknowledging that his assessment could be proven wrong after the results are declared in May, Shanmugam maintained that Vijay’s electoral prospects remain limited. “He may secure a certain percentage of vote share in his maiden electoral outing. However, there is absolutely no chance — not even in constituencies he may choose to contest — of winning a single seat,” he added.
Shanmugam noted that a segment of voters in Tamil Nadu has historically remained disengaged from the two dominant political formations —the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. “This demographic has consistently sought alternatives. In the previous election, Naam Tamilar Katchi founder Seeman attracted a portion of these votes. This time, Vijay could tap into that base,” he said.
However, he reiterated that there is no evidence to suggest that Vijay’s entry would significantly alter the electoral outcome or play a decisive role in regime change.
Framing the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election as a contest between “secular and communal forces,” Shanmugam said the CPI(M)’s priority is to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from gaining ground in the State.
Prevent BJP entry
“Our sole objective is to ensure that the BJP does not win even a single constituency. It is with this aim that we have continued in alliance with the DMK-led front,” he said. “Although seat allocation did not fully meet our expectations, we remain committed to the alliance to defeat the BJP-AIADMK combine,” he added.
He stated that preventing the BJP from establishing a foothold in Tamil Nadu is crucial to safeguarding the State’s long-term political trajectory. “The BJP won four seats last time. This time, they will not win even one,” he asserted.
On the recent labour unrest at Samsung Electronics, Shanmugam criticised the State government’s handling of the issue, particularly its role in the registration of a newly formed union. “While the company has the authority to recognise a union, the State should not interfere in the registration process,” he said, referring to the prolonged strike that drew global attention.
Expressing confidence in the ruling alliance, Shanmugam said the DMK-led front would return to power with an increased mandate compared to 2021. “We have a grand alliance this time,” he added.
On welfare measures, he said that subsidies and “freebies” should not be outrightly dismissed . “Certain schemes like the Magalir Urimai Thogai are welcome and necessary,” he added.
Published on April 1, 2026
