In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay, has challenged the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court. As president of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay’s decision aligns with a broader trend among regional parties seeking to appeal to minority communities—particularly Muslims, who comprise around 6% of Tamil Nadu’s electorate.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, recently passed by Parliament, introduces sweeping changes to the management of Muslim charitable endowments. Key provisions include the inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards and increased government oversight of waqf properties. While these measures aim to enhance transparency and curb corruption, several Muslim leaders and clerics—who have long controlled these vast waqf assets—argue that the amendments infringe upon the constitutional rights of Muslims. This, despite rulings by the Supreme Court and multiple high courts affirming that waqf boards are not religious bodies but administrative entities managing land. Fears stoked by leaders like AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi—that the law could lead to the seizure of mosques or burial grounds—appear exaggerated, aimed more at stirring emotions than reflecting legal reality. In truth, the control of waqf properties remains concentrated in the hands of two major sects—Shias and Sunnis—while marginalized Muslim groups like the Pasmandas and Ahmadis remain excluded.
Vijay’s legal challenge is scheduled to be heard on April 16 by a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, alongside Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan. The case has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including political parties and Muslim organizations, reflecting the alleged contentious nature of the new legislation.
In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) secured a significant victory, winning 133 seats with 45.70% of the vote. The All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) garnered 66 seats with a 39.29% vote share. Other parties, including the Naam Tamilar Katchi, received 6.58% of the votes but failed to win any seats.
Vijay’s foray into politics follows a pattern observed with other film stars in Tamil Nadu, such as Kamal Haasan, whose political ventures have met with limited success. While Vijay’s popularity as an actor is undeniable, translating fan support into electoral gains remains a formidable challenge. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is complex, with established parties like the DMK and AIADMK maintaining strong organizational structures and voter bases.
By positioning himself as a defender of minority rights through the challenge to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Vijay aims to carve out a niche in the state’s political arena. However, the effectiveness of this strategy will depend on various factors, including the public’s reception of his political platform, the response from established parties, and the broader socio-political climate leading up to the elections.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome could have significant implications not only for the management of waqf properties but also for the political fortunes of emerging parties like TVK. The intersection of legal, religious, and political considerations in this matter underscores the complexities of governance in a diverse and pluralistic society.
Thus far, Vijay’s challenge to the Waqf (Amendment) Act represents a calculated political maneuver aimed at expanding his party’s appeal among minority voters. While the move has the potential to elevate his political profile, its success will ultimately hinge on the electorate’s response and the evolving dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
