Vijay Faces Political Test as Court Hearing Coincides With Election Campaign

Chennai: As Tamil Nadu prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay appears to be facing a difficult phase in both his political and personal life. With the campaign expected to intensify in the coming weeks, a court appearance related to a family dispute may coincide with the crucial days of electioneering.

The Election Commission has announced that polling for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will be held on April 23 in a single phase. Political parties across the state are preparing to intensify campaigning, particularly around April 20 when leaders are expected to hold large rallies and public meetings.

However, Vijay may not be present on the campaign trail during this crucial period. According to reports, he may have to appear before the family welfare court in Chengalpattu in connection with a divorce petition filed by his wife, Sangeetha.

The timing has drawn attention in political circles because the hearing is likely to fall during the final stretch of campaigning, when party leaders are expected to be actively reaching out to voters across the state.

Earlier on the day the election schedule was announced, Vijay was reportedly in New Delhi responding to a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry related to the Karur congestion case. While political leaders in Tamil Nadu were preparing their campaign strategies, Vijay was engaged in the investigation process in the national capital.

Political Journey Under Spotlight

Vijay’s entry into politics has attracted significant attention since he launched his political party and began positioning himself against the dominant Dravidian parties in the state. He has frequently described the ruling DMK as his main political rival while referring to the BJP as an ideological opponent, although his criticism of the BJP has been relatively limited compared with his attacks on the DMK.

In recent months, Vijay has stepped up his criticism of the Dravidian political establishment, presenting himself as an alternative force in Tamil Nadu politics. However, the Karur case—regarding which he had earlier demanded a CBI investigation—has now placed him in the position of responding to the agency’s inquiry.

Divorce Petition Adds Pressure

Adding to the political pressure is the divorce petition filed by his wife in the family welfare court. In her petition, Sangeetha has reportedly alleged that Vijay was involved in a relationship with another actress outside their marriage and has sought a divorce.

The petition further claims that when she questioned him about the alleged relationship, he subjected her to emotional distress and financial isolation. It also includes allegations regarding substance use. Vijay has not publicly responded to these claims so far.

The developments have become a topic of discussion in political and media circles, particularly because they come at a time when Vijay is attempting to expand his political base ahead of the Assembly elections.

Political observers believe the situation could pose a temporary challenge for Vijay’s newly formed political outfit as it prepares for its electoral test in Tamil Nadu.

There is also speculation in political circles that Vijay’s party has been discussing the possibility of an electoral understanding with the BJP-led alliance. If such a move takes place, analysts say it could trigger mixed reactions among his supporters.

The coincidence of the court hearing with the election campaign has become a talking point in the state’s political landscape. While leaders from major parties are expected to campaign intensively on April 20 and 21, Vijay may have to appear before the family welfare court on the same dates.

If that happens, it could place him in a courtroom while rival leaders are addressing rallies across the state.

However, sources within his party say Vijay may seek exemption from personal appearance and request the court to allow representation through his lawyer.

Whether the court grants that request remains to be seen, but the development has added an unexpected dimension to Vijay’s political journey as Tamil Nadu heads toward a closely watched Assembly election.