The Aryavarth Express:
Chennai, March 29 — Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy has rejected claims that the state government denied permission to actor-turned-politician Vijay for holding an election rally, stating that such approvals are granted solely by the Election Commission of India during the Model Code of Conduct period.
Periyasamy advised Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, to apply through the Election Commission’s online portal, assuring that permission would be granted if procedures are followed.
“The Election Commission will give permission. The government doesn’t give permission. If they apply online, they will get permission,” the minister told reporters.
The response comes after TVK accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government of deliberately obstructing its campaign efforts. The party alleged that Chennai City Police acted in coordination with government officials to deny approval for a rally in the Perambur Assembly constituency.
According to a TVK statement, the party had applied to hold a campaign event at Mullai Nagar Junction but faced last-minute hurdles. It claimed that trenches were dug and barricades erected at the venue shortly before the scheduled event, leading authorities to declare the site unsuitable for a gathering of 3,000 people.
The police subsequently denied permission, citing safety concerns. TVK strongly criticised the move, calling it an attack on democratic rights and accusing the government of unfair practices.
Meanwhile, TVK is set to announce its list of candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led alliance and the National Democratic Alliance, which includes the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Pattali Makkal Katchi. Vijay’s TVK is aiming to make the election a three-cornered contest.
