Bhubaneswar (The Fact Bureau): R. Sabarinathan, the son of the personal driver of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay Thalapathy, has emerged as one of the most closely watched candidates in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, blending personal emotion with political momentum.
The 30-year-old candidate, contesting from Chennai’s Virugambakkam constituency on a TVK ticket, is currently leading against his rival from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)- an early trend that could signal a major symbolic victory for the relatively new political party.
Sabarinathan’s rise has drawn widespread attention not only for his electoral performance but also because of his background. He is the son of Rajendran, who has served as a loyal associate and long-time driver for actor-turned-politician Vijay since the actor’s debut film, Naalaya Theerpu.
A Moment That Moved Millions
An emotional moment during TVK’s candidate announcement event in March played a key role in shaping Sabarinathan’s public image. A video clip from the event, which has recently gone viral once again, shows an overwhelmed Sabarinathan breaking down on stage, after which Vijay is seen comforting him by brushing away his tears and hugging him. The video has since become a powerful symbol for supporters, highlighting the themes of loyalty and deep personal bonds within Vijay’s circle.
From Aspirations to the Ballot Box
The path to politics was not straightforward for Sabarinathan. Reflecting typical middle-class aspirations, his father had initially hoped he would pursue a stable career in engineering.
However, Sabarinathan chose a different route. He eventually met Vijay in person to express his keen interest in entering politics. After some deliberation, Vijay himself stepped in to convince Rajendran to support his son’s ambitions.
The 2024 Return
After returning to Chennai in 2024, Sabarinathan formally joined TVK and began working at the grassroots level.
The Candidacy
His nomination from Virugambakkam is viewed as both a recognition of his father’s long-standing service and a strategic move by the party to showcase inclusivity and upward mobility.
