Perambur Flashpoint: Vijay defies hurdles to launch TVK election campaign

Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will launch his party’s election campaign for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from Perambur on March 30 , Election Commission (EC) sources said on Saturday, amid an ongoing controversy over campaign permissions .

Earlier in the day, Vijay met Archana Patnaik at the Secretariat, submitting a representation seeking the transfer of certain officials , alleging they were obstructing TVK’s election activities . According to EC sources, instructions have been issued to authorities to permit campaigning in line with norms.

The development follows a dispute after TVK’s application to hold a public meeting at Mullai Nagar junction in Perambur was denied. The party had initially sought permission for a 3,000-strong gathering but later scaled it down to a 100-person meeting for March 30. Authorities cited space constraints and ongoing civic works as reasons for rejection. However, TVK alleged that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deliberately created obstructions by digging pits and placing barricades shortly before the event. Vijay criticised the denial, calling it a “fascist attack on democracy” in a statement issued on March 27.

Rejecting the allegations, GCC Commissioner and District Election Officer J Kumaragurubaran said the decision was taken as per standard procedures and safety considerations .

Meanwhile, TVK has intensified its poll preparations . Senior leader K A Sengottaiyan said the party has sought the transfer of long-serving officials , raising concerns over administrative neutrality. In a major organisational push, Vijay is set to introduce candidates for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 30 in Puducherry at a party meeting in Chennai on March 30, signalling a full-scale electoral debut .

Since its launch, TVK has emerged as a notable political force , leveraging Vijay’s popularity to attract youth and first-time voters , while focusing on grassroots outreach and digital mobilisation .

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 , while polling in Puducherry will be held on April 9 . The dispute over campaign permissions is likely to remain a key political flashpoint as the elections approach.