India
oh-Gaurav Sharma
The political row involving actor-turned-politician Vijay recently took a new turn when the alliance partners decided on a name – Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance. The meeting was held at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) headquarters at Panaiyur here on September 9, 2026. The meeting was attended by Vijay himself and senior leaders of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) were also present.
This was the first meeting of the alliance that emerged after the 2026 Assembly elections, which ensured victory for the Congress and the VCC to form the government at the Centre.
The political parties TVK (led by Vijay), Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML on September 9, 2026 named their alliance “Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance” and planned a common minimum program and steering committee.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President B. Manickam Tagore, Congress Rajya Sabha member Praveen Chakravarthy and Assembly leader Tarakhai Cuthbert were present. MDMK founder Vaiko and Durai Vaiko and VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan were also present at the meeting. Also present were CM Kader Mohidin, A.M. Shahjahan and Syed Farooq Basha of IUML.
The name of the alliance is said to have far-reaching implications. Apart from highlighting some key issues of common interest to all alliance partners, it sought to reaffirm the ideology of socialism and secularism that had long been the hallmark of Tamil Nadu politics. The word “victory” in the title is meant to signify Vijay’s own victory, as well as his importance in the new political system as the leader of TCE.
However, this was not the only agenda of the meeting. Alliance leaders also outlined a Common Minimum Program (CMP) to guide all parties, and also decided to create a Steering Committee, including the appointment of a convener, as well as a shared media committee and website.
To create an effective governing body, the meeting decided to create a steering committee comprising senior party leaders.
The issue of CMP is particularly important given the ideological differences between the various alliance partners. While TBC is a new entrant into the political lexicon of Tamil Nadu, the Congress, VWC, MDMK and IUML have a rich history and their own ideological underpinnings. However, the differences seem to be overshadowed by the need to confront the Left Front.
Since the CPI(M) and the CPI were not present at the Panaiyur meeting despite extended government support, the new government’s relationship with the Left Front remains an open question. Although CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugan said on September 8 that the Left parties are providing external support to the government, which is different from being part of an alliance.
Trying to balance between the two alliances, the Left Front, while supporting the government on all issues important to it, will leave its doors open to other political formations.
Formally, the naming ceremony was the first step towards the institutionalization of a new political alliance. The next important step, which is likely to be discussed at the next meeting, is the adoption of a General Minimum Programme, in addition to the creation of a Steering Committee and the appointment of a convener.
In fact, the upcoming alliance meetings will be crucial for Vijay and TCE, who would like to turn it into a permanent structure to manage the divergent ideologies of the allies and develop the necessary mechanisms for sharing power.