In a significant move before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay has decided to back an Independent candidate in the Edappadi Assembly constituency in Salem district. This decision follows the disqualification of the party’s official nominee, whose nomination papers were rejected during scrutiny. Vijay expressed his support for Independent candidate Premkumar, a long-time associate and former administrator of his fan club, urging party members and voters in Edappadi to support him.
Vijay emphasized the party’s unanimous decision to endorse Premkumar in the current scenario and encouraged voters to choose him using the “television set” symbol assigned by the Election Commission. Despite being unable to contest directly due to the rejection of their candidate’s nomination, Vijay emphasized that Premkumar is considered their representative in the constituency. He called on TVK executives and members to unite for the Independent candidate’s victory, aiming for a decisive win.
The actor-politician also indirectly criticized those hindering the party’s electoral progress, suggesting that Premkumar’s success would teach a lesson to those obstructing the party’s symbol and participation in the elections. The Edappadi constituency, currently held by senior AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, is set for a competitive race, with the addition of the TVK-supported Independent candidate reshaping the electoral landscape. Vijay’s endorsement, as campaigning nears its end, is expected to invigorate grassroots supporters and impact voting patterns in the region.
