Vijay’s Solo Political Effort Cannot Take on DMK – S. Gurumurthy

Chennai, 2025: In a detailed interview with The Federal, RSS leader S. Gurumurthy expressed strong views on the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, particularly regarding actor Vijay’s independent political initiative. He stated that a solo effort by Vijay would be insufficient to challenge the ruling DMK.

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Interview Highlights

1. Gurumurthy expressed skepticism about actor-politician Vijay’s ability to challenge the DMK alone through a solo electoral bid.
2. He drew parallels with the 1996 election, when Vaiko’s solo effort failed without a strong coalition.
3. Gurumurthy stressed that a credible alternative to the DMK requires a coalition, possibly involving Congress, for Vijay’s political efforts to succeed.
4. He touched on broader national issues, including RSS strategies, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and socio-political changes across India.
5. The interview emphasized the complexity of political strategy in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the necessity of alliances and grassroots organization for electoral success.

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Gurumurthy’s Perspective on Key Issues

1. Democracy in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

a)     Gurumurthy discussed the fragility and challenges of democracy in neighboring countries.

b)    In Nepal, coalition instability and power struggles hinder governance.

c)     Sri Lanka is recovering from economic crises while facing public unrest and political uncertainty.

d)    In Bangladesh, a dominant party system exists, but opposition demands greater democratic accountability, reflecting the need for mature, inclusive governance in South Asia.

2. Communism vs Capitalism

a)     He analyzed the ideological divide in the region, noting that communist models often struggle with economic inefficiencies, while capitalist systems emphasize growth and private enterprise.

b)    Gurumurthy emphasized that nations embracing market-driven policies and democratic accountability tend to achieve more stability and prosperity.

3. Vijay’s Solo Effort Will Not Take Down DMK

a)     Reiterating his earlier point, Gurumurthy emphasized that celebrity popularity alone cannot defeat a well-entrenched political party like DMK.

b)    He highlighted the importance of alliances, strategic planning, and grassroots organization as essential components for any political challenger in Tamil Nadu.

4. India: A Family-Based Society

a)     Gurumurthy also discussed India’s social structure, emphasizing that it remains largely a family-based society.

b)    Decisions in politics, business, and social life are often influenced by family networks and community ties.

c)     Political success in India requires understanding these relationships, respecting local communities, and building trust beyond individual popularity.

5. Indian Economy

a)     Gurumurthy highlighted India’s resilient economic growth, driven by industrial expansion, services, and technology sectors.

b)    He emphasized the importance of reforms, infrastructure development, and employment generation for long-term stability.

c)     According to him, sound economic policies strengthen political legitimacy and social cohesion, which are crucial for governance at both state and national levels.

d)    Gurumurthy also stressed that any political movement, including Vijay’s initiative, must align with economic realities to be credible among voters.

6. BJP-ADMK Alliance, Annamalai Factor, and Tamil Nationalism

a)     Gurumurthy analyzed the BJP-ADMK alliance, noting that ADMK, as the junior partner, may face internal tensions, and leadership decisions will influence coalition performance.

b)    The Annamalai factor is significant: as BJP Tamil Nadu president, his grassroots activism and assertive leadership can strengthen BJP’s presence, but may also clash with ADMK senior leadership.

c)     Regarding EPS (Edappadi K. Palaniswami), Gurumurthy suggested that some decisions may appear self-centered, which could affect party cohesion and public perception.

d)    On Tamil nationalism, Gurumurthy highlighted the importance of regional pride, cultural identity, and historical awareness as tools for mobilizing voters.

e)     He drew inspiration from the Chola legacy—Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola—emphasizing their administrative brilliance, maritime trade dominance, and cultural patronage as a reminder for contemporary leadership to combine vision, governance, and people-centric policies.

7. Trump’s Tariffs and Global Trade Implications

a)     Gurumurthy commented on the impact of Trump-era tariffs on global trade and supply chains, particularly affecting agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

b)    He noted that while some tariffs aimed to protect domestic industries, they also disrupted exports and global trade relations, including for Indian businesses.

c)     Gurumurthy emphasized that India must maintain strategic trade policies and diversify global partnerships to minimize economic vulnerabilities caused by protectionist measures abroad.

8. Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Tirupur

a)     Tirupur, Tamil Nadu’s garment export hub, was significantly affected by Trump-era tariffs on Chinese imports and textile goods.

b)    Many Tirupur-based exporters faced increased competition, reduced market access, and pricing pressures in the US market.

c)     Gurumurthy noted that local businesses adapted through diversification, quality upgrades, and exploring alternative markets, but such tariffs highlighted the vulnerability of regional export-dependent economies to international trade policies.

9. Ukraine-Russia War

a)     Gurumurthy also discussed the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, highlighting its geopolitical and economic consequences globally.

b)    He noted that the war has led to energy price hikes, disruption in grain supply, and increased geopolitical tensions, which indirectly affect India’s economy and strategic planning.

c)     According to him, India must adopt cautious foreign policy and trade diversification to mitigate risks from such global conflicts.

10. Big Anti-Establishment Wave in 2026

a)     Gurumurthy predicted the possibility of a strong anti-establishment sentiment in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, reminiscent of the 1996 wave against DMK.

b)    He highlighted voter dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises and governance issues, which could create opportunities for new political entrants.

c)     However, he emphasized that even in such a wave, a solo effort without coalition support may still struggle, making strategic alliances essential for translating anti-incumbency sentiment into electoral victory.

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DMK and the Question of Tamil Identity

S. Gurumurthy and other political observers have argued that the DMK has, over decades, co-opted Tamil identity under the banner of Dravidianism, often diluting authentic Tamil cultural and historical heritage. Key points include:

1. Appropriation of Tamil Pride: While promoting Dravidian ideology, the party has been accused of prioritizing political narratives over genuine cultural preservation, sometimes sidelining classical Tamil contributions and historical achievements.
2. Political Instrumentalization: Dravidianism, initially rooted in social justice and anti-caste movements, is argued to have been used primarily as a tool for political mobilization rather than a true representation of Tamil ethos.
3. Neglect of Tamil Heritage: Observers note that classical Tamil history, literature, and the Chola-Pandya heritage are often underrepresented in state policies and political discourse, overshadowed by populist Dravidian rhetoric.
4. Rise of Regional Awareness: Analysts suggest that emerging political actors and parties emphasizing authentic Tamil identity could resonate with voters seeking cultural pride and governance accountability, especially in light of perceived neglect by long-standing Dravidian parties.

In essence, critics argue that the DMK’s Dravidian approach has at times compromised genuine Tamil identity, creating space for political challengers to reassert Tamil heritage, language, and culture as central themes in the 2026 elections.

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Media Coverage

The interview and discussion were broadcast live on The Federal’s website and YouTube channel, allowing viewers to access Gurumurthy’s insights in full.

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Conclusion: The Way Forward for India and Tamil Nadu

S. Gurumurthy’s insights underscore that both India and Tamil Nadu face a pivotal period politically, economically, and socially. The way forward involves multiple interconnected dimensions:

1. Political Strategy and Alliances

a)     For Tamil Nadu, electoral success requires coalition-building, grassroots engagement, and understanding voter sentiment, especially amid anti-incumbency waves.

b)    Celebrity appeal alone, while influential, cannot replace structured political organization. Alliances with credible partners remain critical.

2. Economic Resilience

a)     India’s and Tamil Nadu’s growth depend on sound economic policies, trade diversification, infrastructure development, and employment generation.

b)    Regional industries, like Tirupur’s textile sector, must adapt to global challenges, including tariffs and international conflicts, to remain competitive.

3. Cultural and Regional Identity

a)     Tamil Nadu must continue to celebrate and preserve Tamil heritage, language, and history, drawing inspiration from rulers like Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola.

b)    Policies that respect regional pride and cultural identity will help mobilize civic participation and strengthen democracy.

4. Global Awareness and Diplomacy

a)     India must navigate geopolitical uncertainties, including the Ukraine-Russia war, global trade tensions, and protectionist policies, while maintaining strategic autonomy.

b)    A balanced approach in foreign policy will protect national interests and economic stability.

5. Democracy and Social Cohesion

a)     Both India and Tamil Nadu need mature, tolerant democratic practices, emphasizing inclusion, family and community engagement, and respect for diversity.

b)    Political actors must focus on practical solutions for citizens’ daily lives rather than mere populist rhetoric.

In summary, the way forward for India and Tamil Nadu involves combining visionary leadership, coalition politics, economic foresight, cultural pride, and global awareness. For Tamil Nadu specifically, this requires political pragmatism, strategic alliances, and grassroots connections—ensuring that new entrants, like Vijay, can channel popular enthusiasm into sustainable, impactful governance.

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