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Whistle vs Battery Torch: Vijay & Kamal Haasan Get Poll Symbols for TN Battle

The Election Commission has allotted the 'whistle' symbol to actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the 'battery torch' to Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. MNM is in an alliance with the ruling DMK, while Vijay's TVK is making its electoral debut. The allotment follows the provisions of the Election Symbols Order of 1968, with symbols also available as "free symbols" in constituencies where these parties don't field candidates. Meanwhile, other parties like the AIADMK have begun announcing poll promises as the state prepares for elections in the first half of this year.

Key Points: Vijay Gets Whistle, Kamal Haasan Battery Torch for Tamil Nadu Polls

  • Whistle allotted to Vijay's TVK
  • Battery torch for Kamal Haasan's MNM
  • MNM allied with ruling DMK
  • Symbols governed by 1968 Order
2 min read

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

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

"I am directed to state that the application... 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 Haasan 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 Haasan.

Haasan's MNM has an alliance with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), while Vijay's TVK is set to debut in the upcoming assembly polls, vying to gain power by unseating the incumbent DMK.

"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.

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's MNM? Seems ironic. The party's light has been dim since the last elections. Allying with DMK might give them some charge, but as a junior partner, what new "light" can they really provide? 🤔
S
Sarah B
Interesting to watch from abroad. The symbolism is key in a state with high literacy but where visual party symbols are crucial for voters. A whistle to blow against the establishment vs. a torch to show the way. The narrative is set!
K
Karthik V
All this talk of symbols, but what about the CBI case against Vijay? A symbol is just an image. Voters need to look at the candidate's character and the party's manifesto. AIADMK's direct benefit scheme for women sounds more concrete than a whistle.
A
Anjali F
As a Tamilian, I feel both actors turned politicians are still testing the waters. One is going solo, the other has joined hands. The whistle might be catchy for youth, but the torch has been around. Let's see who illuminates the path better for our state!
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think we are focusing too much on celebrities and their symbols. The EC rules are clear - win seats or lose the symbol. The real issues are jobs, water, and infrastructure. Hope the debate shifts there soon.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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