Speculation about a possible alliance between the BJP-led NDA and actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the 2018 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has largely died down, thanks to a scandal over a TVK leader's statements against superstar Rajinikanth. AIADMK and BJP leaders are openly attacking TVK officials. Neither the ruling DMK nor Rajinikanth have responded to the comments.
Backchannel negotiations between the TVK and the BJP have gathered steam in recent weeks. According to BJP leaders, the NDA offered TVK up to 80 seats and the position of Deputy Chief Minister in order to form a united front against the ruling DMK.

There were also accusations that Vijay requested the Chief Minister's position as part of any potential arrangement. TVK leaders have constantly disputed these rumors, but curiosity increased when Vijay traveled to Delhi to face the CBI in connection with the Karur rally stampede case.
The AIADMK and BJP officials immediately attacked TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna for his inflammatory remarks, thereby ending the partnership talk. A few days ago, Arjuna claimed Rajinikanth dropped out of politics due to threats from the DMK's first family. The phrase, meant to showcase Vijay's "mental strength," sparked a controversy.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the remarks as politically immoral and rallied in support of Rajinikanth, in what appears to be an attempt to appeal to the superstar's massive fan base. "Rajinikanth is a respected film personality who is admired outside of politics. Speaking in a way that harms his reputation is inappropriate. Individuals have the freedom to participate in politics, as well as the ability to opt out. He has explained his reasons, and they must be respected," Palaniswami added, describing such remarks as a breach of political decency.
BJP leader K Annamalai slammed Arjuna, calling his comments "illusion" and defending Rajinikanth's stature and resilience. Annamalai emphasized the superstar's decades-long career, saying that maintaining such a peak for over 50 years indicated exceptional "mental strength".

Rajinikanth, who had fueled speculation about his political candidacy for nearly three decades, formally opted out in 2020, citing health issues and the COVID-19 outbreak.
With alliance arithmetic still flexible, Tamil Nadu is headed for a four-cornered fight. The ruling DMK is seeking a second consecutive term. The AIADMK, which has rekindled links with the BJP, hopes to make a return following three consecutive electoral failures.
Meanwhile, Vijay's TVK is preparing for its electoral debut, counting on the actor's broad appeal and seeking to imitate the breakthrough victories of Dravidian stalwarts like as CN Annadurai and MG Ramachandran, who went from public life to political domination.

Actor-turned-politician Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), which has always competed alone, is the fourth participant in what is shaping up to be a closely contested and multi-sided electoral campaign in the state.