Vijay to meet TVK candidates on April 30 ahead of counting on May 4
Chennai, April 28
Actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay will meet all 234 candidates who contested the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly elections under the banner of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on April 30, as the state prepares for counting of votes on May 4, party sources said on Tuesday.
The meeting is likely to focus on post-poll assessments, constituency-level feedback, and preparations for the counting day.
The development comes as Tamil Nadu recorded a historic voter turnout of 85.15 per cent in the April 23 Assembly elections -- the highest since Independence.
The Election Commission of India described the voter turnout as a major democratic milestone, crediting it partly to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted ahead of the state polls.
During the SIR exercise, nearly 7.4 million names were removed from the voter list due to deaths, duplicate entries, and permanent relocation.
Officials say this clean-up significantly improved the accuracy of the electoral rolls and contributed to the sharp rise in voter participation.
Political observers have also pointed to Vijay's entry into electoral politics as a factor that energised voters, particularly the youth.
While opinions differ on the scale of the TVK Chief's impact, there is broad consensus that his presence added momentum to the electoral process.
Reacting to the voter turnout, Vijay termed the April 23 polling a "historic moment" in Tamil Nadu's political history, noting that crossing the 85 per cent mark was unprecedented and indicative of strong public engagement in the democratic process.
Following the conclusion of polling, the TVK Chief travelled from Chennai to Madurai by a private flight and proceeded by road to Tiruchendur, where he offered prayers at the renowned Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, before returning to Chennai.
The April 30 meeting assumes significance as TVK looks to consolidate its poll strategy ahead of the counting day.
Vijay had earlier held preliminary consultations with senior TVK leaders on April 24, and the upcoming interaction with candidates is likely to play a key role in shaping the party's post-poll approach as Tamil Nadu awaits the election results.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Cleaning up electoral rolls by removing 7.4 million dead/duplicate entries is long overdue. If TVK focuses on real issues like infrastructure and education rather than just star power, they could be a serious alternative. Hope Vijay uses this meeting to plan properly.
Honestly, I'm skeptical. Celebrity politics rarely works long-term in India. But credit where due - the high turnout is remarkable. Let's see if this translates into seats or just hype. Either way, exciting times for Tamil Nadu democracy!
Walking 7.4 million names off the roll... that's a massive cleanup! But did anyone verify if legitimate voters were removed? In many Indian states, such exercises have led to disenfranchisement. Hope the EC was careful. Also, Vijay going to Tiruchendur temple shows his connection to our culture. 👍
As someone following Indian politics from abroad, the 85% turnout is jaw-dropping. In the US, we're lucky to hit 60% in presidential elections. Whether it's Vijay's star power or the EC's reforms, Tamil Nadu has set a benchmark for democratic participation. Respect! 🇮🇳
Funny how Vijay is now a "serious politician" meeting candidates while his film fans are still in denial. Still, if he brings accountability and youth engagement, I'm all for it. Just hope he doesn't become like other actor-CMs who focus more on image than governance. Time will tell.
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