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Whistle vs Torch: Vijay & Kamal Get Election Symbols for Tamil Nadu Polls

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Whistle' symbol to actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the 'Battery Torch' to Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls. This allotment is governed by the Election Symbols Order of 1968, and parties can lose their symbols if they fail to win in a minimum number of constituencies. Both parties are making their electoral debut, aiming to challenge the incumbent DMK government. The election schedule for Tamil Nadu, expected in the first half of this year, is yet to be officially announced by the ECI.

Key Points: Vijay, Kamal Hassan Get Election Symbols for Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

  • Whistle symbol for Vijay's TVK
  • Battery torch for Kamal's MNM
  • Symbols governed by 1968 Order
  • Parties risk losing symbol if performance poor
  • Both parties debut in 2025-26 assembly polls
2 min read

Tamil Nadu assembly polls: EC allots 'Whistle' for Vijay, 'battery torch' for Kamal Hassan

Election Commission allots 'Whistle' to Vijay's TVK and 'Battery Torch' to Kamal Hassan's MNM for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

"I am directed to state that the application of the following registered un-recognised political party(s) for concession in the allotment of a common symbol... have been accepted by the Commission - ECI Secretariat order"

Chennai, January 22

Ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, the political parties of veteran actors Vijay and Kamal Hassan have been allotted their respective symbols by the Election Commission of India.

The whistle symbol has been allotted to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by actor Vijay. Whereas, the battery torch symbol has been allotted to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), the party headed by Kamal Hassan.

"I am directed to state that the application of the following registered un-recognised political party(s) for conession in the allotment of a common symbol to its candidates being set up at the forthcoming General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry 2025-26, under the provisions of Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order,1968, have been accepted by the Commission," according to an order by the secretariat of the ECI to the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer.

The allotment and usage of symbols is governed by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

The symbols are also available for allotment as "free symbol" to other candidates in the constituencies where the parties do not actually set up their candidates.

Moreover, the parties could also lose their symbols if they do not meet the requirement of a minimum number of candidates, that is, winning in 5 per cent of the total Assembly constituencies.

Both parties are set to debut in the upcoming assembly polls, vying to gain power by unseating the incumbent Dravidra Munnetra Kazhagham (DMK).

All the political parties have started gearing up for the elections, with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami already announcing the party's first phase of the party's poll promises on January 17.

The AIADMK's election promises include the Women's Welfare Kulavilakku Scheme, under which a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 will be provided to all ration card-holding families, credited directly to the bank account of the woman head of the family.

Vijay, the founder of TVK, himself has been embroiled in controversy, already facing questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the Karur stampede.

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in the first half of this year. The official schedule has not yet been announced by the ECI.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Battery torch for Kamal Haasan? Seems symbolic of his party's need for a "charge" to be visible. MNM has struggled to gain momentum. Hope this election brings some light to their policies. 🤔
A
Arjun K
All this symbol drama, but what about the actual issues? AIADMK is already announcing schemes. We need to hear concrete plans from TVK and MNM on jobs, water, and infrastructure, not just rely on star power.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's fascinating how much importance symbols hold in Indian elections, especially for new parties. It's their first visual identity for millions of voters. The whistle is catchy and easy to remember.
K
Karthik V
Vijay Anna's whistle symbol will resonate with the youth and his fan clubs. But the CBI case is a cloud. Voters are smart; they will look beyond symbols and cinema to see who can deliver good governance.
M
Meera T
Good to see new players. The 5% rule to keep the symbol is tough but fair. It prevents too many fringe parties from cluttering the ballot. May the best party win for Tamil Nadu's future! 🙏

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