Vijay Turns Dharapuram Roadshow Into a Campaign for Women’s Dignity Ahead of Bypoll

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay on Sunday campaigned in Dharapuram in support of party candidate P Sathyabama ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypoll.

During the roadshow, Vijay interacted with voters and supporters along the route and received flowers, garlands, gifts and party towels. He also rode a bullock cart for a short distance during the campaign.

Vijay later visited the Moolanur Vanchiamman shrine, where he offered prayers and received traditional temple honours. Sathyabama accompanied him during the campaign.

The main political issue raised by Vijay during the roadshow was the alleged remarks made by DMK president M K Stalin against Sathyabama. Vijay alleged that Stalin had made vulgar comments about the TVK candidate and described the remarks as targeting a woman.

Vijay said criticism directed at him personally would not concern him, but warned that he would not remain silent over remarks against women. He said comments against women candidates and women in general crossed a line.

The TVK leadership has described Stalin’s remarks against Sathyabama as body-shaming. Vijay also referred to the legacy of late M G Ramachandran (MGR), the founder of the AIADMK, while speaking about the political discourse during the campaign.

The roadshow marked Vijay’s second campaign visit to Dharapuram after his September 30 rally. The campaign included interactions with voters and supporters at different locations in the constituency.

Vijay’s campaign comes as the Dharapuram bypoll enters its final phase, with Sathyabama contesting on the TVK ticket. The controversy over remarks against the candidate has emerged as a prominent issue in Vijay’s campaign speeches.

The chief minister also appealed to voters during his interactions along the roadshow route. The campaign combined public meetings and direct voter contact with Vijay’s criticism of the alleged remarks against his party candidate.

The Dharapuram Assembly bypoll is scheduled for October 6, while counting of votes is scheduled for October 9. Campaigning by political parties is continuing ahead of polling.