NEW DELHI: Ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay has announced that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will support an independent candidate in the high-profile Edappadi constituency. This decision follows the inability of the party’s official nominee to enter the race.
In a post on X on Sunday, Vijay urged voters in the Salem district to back K Premakumar, a former administrator of his fan club, whom he referred to as “our own brother.” He stated that the party had “unanimously decided to support” Premakumar, who is contesting under the “television set” symbol.
“Therefore, I wish to inform you that, on behalf of our Tamil Nadu Victory League, we have unanimously decided to support our former administrator, Mr K Premakumar,” Vijay said, appealing for his victory by a “massive margin,” as reported by PTI. He added a political note, calling on supporters to deliver a result that would serve as a “fitting lesson” to those who allegedly attempted to suppress the party’s symbol through “underhanded means.”
The backing for Premakumar comes after the Election Commission rejected the TVK’s official candidate Arun Kumar’s nomination on technical grounds, necessitating a strategic adjustment for the party in this constituency. Premakumar is now being presented as the party’s “candidate in spirit.”
The Edappadi Assembly seat is a stronghold of Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister, making this contest politically significant. This development comes shortly after Vijay unveiled TVK’s manifesto for the elections, which includes a range of welfare measures such as monthly financial assistance for women, interest-free loans for self-help groups, job creation initiatives, and expanded healthcare coverage.
Launched in February 2024, TVK is contesting its first Assembly elections and aims to position itself as a challenger to the established Dravidian parties in the state.
