'VCK didn’t work hard, but Vijay can’t beat DMK front': Thol Thirumavalavan on Tamil Nadu poll dynamics

CHENNAI: Categorically rejecting the possibility of actor and TVK chief Vijay winning the assembly election in Tamil Nadu, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday said the new entrant has not emerged as a force to dethrone DMK."Vijay does not possess the capability to capture power. There is no possibility of that," Thirumavalavan, a DMK ally, said in a video message, adding that the very thought of the actor-turned-politician forming a govt defied all logic.Thirumavalavan said that he received reports from alliance partners regarding a lack of cooperation from VCK's election committees in some constituencies."We have been gathering information regarding party election campaign committees that did not extend full cooperation in campaigns for candidates of allies," he said, noting that disciplinary action would be initiated following a thorough inquiry into the complaints.He did note, however, that Vijay may have secured a significant percentage of anti-DMK and anti-Dravidian parties' votes in the April 23 poll. Reiterating that DMK-led front would register an impressive victory in the election for the state's 17th assembly, the VCK leader said his party candidates, fielded in eight constituencies in the state as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance, have a "bright chance to win all the seats." He said, "I strongly believe that."Returning to the topic of Vijay factor in the four-cornered contest, Thirumavalavan said the three opposition parties would have split the anti-DMK votes. Vijay played a key role in splitting the anti-DMK vote, which ultimately favoured DMK, he said.Coimbatore: TN Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai on Saturday expressed confidence that DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance would secure more than 200 seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly election.He told reporters here, the opinion polls suggesting around 145 seats for DMK alliance were an attempt to impose a narrative. On a query about TVK, he said discussions could be held after the results are out. Selvaperunthagai said leaders across the alliance were united and confident that their efforts, including campaigns by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with the chief minister's outreach, would not go in vain. "People are clear about their choice." TNN