TVK Chief Vijay Booked For Alleged Poll Code Violations During Chennai Campaign

Vijay Booked For Alleged Poll Code Violations: Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has been booked for alleged violations of election regulations during his campaign in Chennai ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

According to reports, the case was registered at the Peravallur police station following a complaint by an election monitoring official. The complaint alleged that campaign activities associated with Vijay led to significant public inconvenience, including traffic congestion and disruption of movement in parts of Perambur.

The case reportedly includes charges registered under five sections related to public nuisance, obstruction of roads, and violation of the Model Code of Conduct laid down by the Election Commission. Video evidence was also reportedly submitted along with the complaint to support the allegations.

The roadshow in question took place shortly after Vijay filed his nomination from the Perambur constituency on Monday. The event drew a large crowd, with estimates suggesting a crowd of over 5,000 people. The complaint further alleged that campaign arrangements included the use of multiple loudspeakers and that emergency movement, including that of an ambulance, was affected during the procession.

Along with Vijay, cases have reportedly been filed against around 5,000 party workers who were part of the gathering.

Campaign Faces Delays, Security Concerns; TVK Alleges Police Lapses

The developments come on a day when Vijay's campaign schedule witnessed disruptions. After filing his nomination, the TVK chief began his outreach earlier than planned. However, progress through key stretches of the city was slower than anticipated, with it taking nearly two hours to cover a relatively short distance between Perambur and Kolathur.

Despite the delays, sizeable crowds had gathered along the route. Later in the day, a portion of the planned campaign in Villivakkam was called off. The decision, according to party sources, was taken citing concerns over crowd control and safety, particularly in light of the Karur stampede incident.

The TVK, in its response, has alleged that there were lapses in police arrangements, including inadequate deployment for traffic regulation and crowd management. The party has also sought intervention from the Election Commission, raising concerns over what it described as uneven enforcement of campaign permissions.

Vijay is contesting from two constituencies, Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, in the upcoming polls. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4.