Political analyst and strategist Prashant Kishor, who runs his own political outfit in Bihar, announced on Wednesday that he would work to ensure the victory of actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) party in the 2026 state Assembly elections. Prashant Kishor made this announcement during TVK's first-anniversary meeting in Mahabalipuram.
Here, Prashant Kishor made a bold remark saying that he would surpass former India Cricket Team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in terms of popularity in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the TVK workers, Kishor said, "There is so much chatter in the name of MS Dhoni. He is the only Bihari who is more popular than me in Tamil Nadu. Dhoni is more popular in Tamil Nadu than Prashant Kishor, but make no mistake, next year, when I contribute and help you win (TVK workers), then I will be taking over Dhoni in popularity."
"If I help TVK win next year, who would be more popular in Tamil Nadu? My fellow Bihari MS Dhoni who makes Chennai Super Kings win every time or Prashant Kishor?" he asked the gathering.
"I have my own battle to win. I have to become the most popular Bihari in Tamil Nadu. So I have to compete with Mr. Dhoni who makes Chennai Super Kings win. I will make TVK under your leaders win," he added.
Prashant, who had announced his retirement from political consulting in 2021, explained why he backtracked from his decision, stating he perceives TVK as a "movement" rather than just a political party.
"He [Vijay] is not a political leader for me; he is the new hope for Tamil Nadu, and that is why I am here. TVK is not a political party for me; it is a movement for millions of people who want to see a new political order in Tamil Nadu," he said.
