Tamil Nadu polls: Vijay’s TVK backs independent candidate in Salem’s Edappadi, calls for ‘fitting lesson’

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay has announced that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will support an independent candidate in the high-profile Edappadi constituency. The move comes after the party’s official nominee was unable to enter the fray.In a post on X on Sunday, Vijay urged voters in Salem district to back K Premakumar, a former administrator of his fan club, describing him as “our own brother.” He said the party had “unanimously decided to support” Premakumar, who is contesting under the “television set” symbol. “Therefore, I wish to inform you that, on behalf of our Tamil Nadu Victory League, we have unanimously decided to support our former administrator, Mr K Premakumar,” Vijay said, appealing to voters to ensure his victory by a “massive margin,” as reported PTI.The TVK chief also struck a sharp political tone, calling on supporters to deliver a result that would serve as a “fitting lesson” to those who allegedly tried to suppress the party’s symbol through “underhanded means.”Premakumar’s backing comes after the Election Commission rejected TVK’s official candidate Arun Kumar’s nomination on technical grounds, forcing the party to recalibrate its strategy in the constituency. Premakumar is now being projected as the party’s “candidate in spirit.”The Edappadi Assembly seat is considered a stronghold of Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister, making the contest politically significant. The development comes days after Vijay unveiled TVK’s manifesto for the elections, outlining a range of welfare measures, including monthly financial assistance for women, interest-free loans for self-help groups, job creation initiatives, and expanded healthcare coverage.Launched in February 2024, TVK is contesting its first Assembly elections, positioning itself as a challenger to established Dravidian parties in the state.