TVK turns to independent Premakumar in Edappadi after nomination blow

Ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu , actor-turned-politician Vijay announced that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will support an independent candidate in the high-profile Edappadi constituency in Salem district.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Vijay urged voters to rally behind K. Premakumar , a former administrator of his fan club, describing him as “our own brother.” The party has unanimously decided to extend support to Premakumar, who is contesting under the “television box” symbol and is being projected as the TVK’s “candidate in spirit.”

The move follows the rejection of TVK’s official candidate Arun Kumar’s nomination by the Election Commission on technical grounds , dealing a setback to the party’s electoral plans in the constituency.

Vijay’s message carried a sharp political edge, calling on supporters to ensure Premakumar’s victory as a “right lesson” to those who allegedly attempted to block the party’s symbol through “crooked means.”

The Edappadi Assembly seat is politically significant as it is the home turf of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister , who is contesting from the constituency.

With TVK entering the fray indirectly through an independent candidate, the Edappadi contest is set to draw heightened political attention in the run-up to polling day.