Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is leading in Perambur constituency by over 8,000 votes over his nearest rival R.D. Shekar from the DMK, as of 11.45 am Monday (3/22 rounds). Vijay is also leading in Trichy East by over 5,200 votes.
The TVK chief, who is contesting from both urban seats in his electoral debut, appears to be putting up a strong fight in these two high-profile constituencies.
TVK has emerged as a decisive force in Tamil Nadu with the party leading in 108 seats across the state. TVK workers celebrated their lead with Vijay’s ‘whistle podu’ song.
Perambur, a traditional working-class and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stronghold in northern Chennai, and Trichy East in central Tamil Nadu have turned into prestige battles with Vijay’s entry. By choosing to contest from two constituencies simultaneously, Vijay has used a strategy earlier used by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader J. Jayalalithaa.
Vijay launched TVK in February 2024 after announcing his retirement from films. In over two years, he built the party into a noticeable third force, seen as an alternative to the two major Dravidian parties, especially among youngsters.
If Vijay wins one or both seats, it will mark a significant personal victory and establish the TVK as a serious new player capable of denting traditional vote banks in urban and semi-urban areas.
Even a considerable showing would give the TVK adequate time to strengthen its organisational structure. Vijay’s emergence, even as a strong challenger, will lead to fresh competition and direct the political focus on issues like jobs, education reforms, and women’s safety, moving beyond traditional welfare models.
Residents in both constituencies, which have traditionally oscillated between DMK and AIADMK, are pinning expectations on Vijay and the TVK to deliver on core civic issues that have plagued them for years.
In Perambur, people are hoping for flood safety, firm action against the drug menace affecting schoolchildren and stronger women’s safety measures. In Trichy East, people expect affordable housing, improved roads, and the creation of employment opportunities through skill centres and IT parks.
The party has promised anti-drug protection zones in schools and colleges, a Clean Trichy Mission, a Women Safety Force, 200 units of free electricity, and targeted welfare including higher monthly assistance to women and support for unemployed youth.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
Also Read: In TN’s Perambur & Trichy East, Vijay’s dual seat gamble hinges on a knock-on-every-door campaign