3 Things Vijay's political entry, Khamenei's death, and welfare scheme lapses
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Mar 5, 2026 Asad Rehman, Indian Express reporter on West Asia, outlines why Ayatollah Khamenei mattered in India and the reactions to his death. Arun Janardhanan, political reporter on Tamil Nadu, breaks down actor Vijay’s surprising political entry and its impact on state alliances and voter dynamics. They also touch on audit findings about lapses in Bihar’s welfare schemes.
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Rallies Are Social Carnivals Not Policy Events
- Vijay rallies function as social events, not policy forums; supporters arrive early and stay for the chance to see or touch the convoy.
- Arun notes attendees prioritize selfies and presence over speeches, changing mobilization dynamics.
Traditional Parties Struggle To Counter Celebrity Politics
- Established parties are unsettled because conventional attack strategies don't apply to a celebrity-driven movement.
- Arun explains Congress is divided over aligning with Vijay, weighing short-term gains against long-term risks.
Convert Fandom Into Ground Level Machine
- Build organizational capacity before election day: secure funding, booth agents, and local structures to convert fandom into votes.
- Arun warns TVK lacks seasoned booth-level operations and faces resource and stamina limits.