Sengottaiyan defends Vijay’s move to contest in 2 seats

Trichy: Senior Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Sengottaiyan defended party president Vijay's move to contest from two assembly constituencies - Trichy East and Perambur, rubbishing the claims that the decision stemmed from the actor's lack of confidence in winning elections. Comparing the actor with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, Sengottaiyan said, "Contesting from two constituencies in Tamil Nadu is not uncommon. Amma (Jayalalithaa) had contested from Bargur and Kangayam constituencies in 1991."Vijay is scheduled to file his nomination for the Trichy East constituency on Thursday morning. Subsequently, he will campaign in the Marakkadai area near Gandhi Market between 12.30pm and 4pm. On chief minister M K Stalin not mentioning TVK even once in his speech in Trichy on Wednesday, suggesting that the real contest was only between DMK and AIADMK, Sengottaiyan said, "You will see that for yourself in the field."Responding to allegations that police were creating hurdles for Vijay's campaign, Sengottaiyan said, "As far as Trichy is concerned, both the returning officer and police officials have given a full assurance that they will provide complete security."Meanwhile, TVK asked the public to avoid attending party president Vijay's campaign meeting in Trichy, stating that only those who have been officially approved will be allowed to participate in it. Party's general secretary ‘Bussy' N Anand, in a statement on Wednesday, advised the public to watch the proceedings through social media platforms or live television broadcasts. Anand specifically urged people to refrain from bringing pregnant women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those in poor health to the venue. He also asked party workers and supporters not to follow Vijay's campaign vehicle on any mode of transport, including two-wheelers. Anand stated that necessary basic facilities such as drinking water and medical assistance have been arranged for the campaign event.Notably, Vijay began his maiden political campaign from Marakkadai in Trichy last year.