Vijay’s Political Bloc Gets New Identity With SSJVA

Chennai, September 10, 2026 Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and its political partners have formally named their post-election coalition the “Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance” (SSJVA). The announcement followed a high-level coordination meeting near Chennai, giving the alliance a distinct political identity ahead of the upcoming bypolls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B Manickam Tagore said the alliance has been formed under the leadership of TVK president and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He said the name reflects the coalition’s ideals and agenda. “We will henceforth work together. We are on a strong foundation,” he said, adding that candidates for the October 6 bypolls to three seats would be announced within a day or two. Health minister KG Arunraj said the alliance name was unanimously decided. "This is not just a name; it is a statement we are making today…. A new alliance is born," he said. Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML leaders attended the meeting, with MDMK also joining the ruling coalition after previously being part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. CPI and CPI(M), however, have clarified that their outside support to the TVK government does not make them members of the alliance The alliance announcement comes amid reported tensions over the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar had said both Congress ministers would resign if TVK did not support Rahul Gandhi as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. He maintained that Congress would not compromise on its position, while TVK continues to project Vijay for the prime ministerial race. With the SSJVA now formally named, its constituent parties are presenting a united front for the immediate electoral battles. However, the contrasting positions of Congress and TVK over the 2029 leadership question could remain a major test for the coalition’s unity going forward.