CHENNAI: Refuting reports on Tuesday that the Greater Chennai Police have registered cases against actor and TVK president Vijay and his party cadre for alleged violations during his campaign rally in the Kolathur Assembly constituency on Monday, sources in the city police told TNIE that although they had received some complaints, no case has been registered as of Tuesday.
Meanwhile, sources in the office of Chief Electoral Officer said that Tamil Nadu CEO Archana Patnaik has sought a report from Chennai’s District Election Officer J Kumaragurubaran, who is also the Greater Chennai Corporation’s commissioner, on the alleged violation of norms that took place during Vijay’s campaign rally on Monday. Sources added that the report is awaited.
Vijay, after filing nomination in the Perambur constituency, participated in the campaign rally there and later in Kolathur. However, his party cancelled his campaign meetings planned later in the day in Villivakkam and Anna Nagar constituencies, alleging a lack of adequate bandobust arrangements by the police for the meetings earlier in the day that witnessed a huge turnout of people. Party functionaries said they cancelled the meeting, keeping in mind the safety of the public and their president.
On Tuesday morning, reports emerged that an FIR has been registered in Peravallur police station against the actor-politician for allegedly violating the norms imposed for the campaign as per the Model Code of Conduct. However, police sources dismissed such reports later in the day.
Take action on Vijay for campaign remarks: CPI to ECI
Chennai: The CPI has urged the Election Commission to take action against TVK leader Vijay for his alleged remarks on voters accepting money during elections. The CPI stated that such remarks openly violate the Model Code of Conduct and undermine free and fair elections. In a statement, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said that giving or receiving money during elections is a serious violation of poll rules.
However, Vijay, while addressing party functionaries, reportedly said voters could accept money offered by parties and vote as they wish. Questioning the effectiveness of monitoring teams, the party urged the commission to act transparently and take suo motu action against Vijay to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.