‘Stay united and alert’, Vijay tells TVK candidates ahead of counting

Vijay convened TVK candidates in Chennai, expressing confidence of victory in Tamil Nadu polls and urging unity. He asked winners to report directly to party HQ and warned against defection attempts by rival alliances ahead of counting

Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has convened a crucial meeting of candidates from his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), at its Panaiyur headquarters near Chennai, as the state awaits the results of the April 23 Assembly elections.

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election witnessed a rare four-cornered contest, with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led bloc, and other regional players facing a strong challenge from TVK, which made its electoral debut this year.

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Barring the Edappadi constituency, where its nomination was rejected, the party fielded candidates in 233 of the 234 Assembly constituencies across the state.

In preparation for the counting of votes, Vijay had earlier instructed all candidates to travel to Chennai and attend the meeting in person without fail.

He also directed them to bring along Form 17C the official polling day record issued by election authorities at each polling booth  to verify vote counts and ensure transparency and accuracy during the counting process.

Addressing the candidates, Vijay struck an optimistic tone, expressing confidence in the party’s performance in the Assembly elections. We will win the election with a decisive mandate, he said, urging candidates to remain vigilant, disciplined, and united in the days ahead. He also issued a clear directive to those who may emerge victorious after the counting process.

If you win, do not go anywhere else. Come straight to the Panaiyur office. I will be waiting for you, Vijay told the gathering, signalling an effort to maintain cohesion within the party ranks during the crucial post-result phase and to avoid any internal drift.

The TVK chief also cautioned candidates against possible attempts by rival parties to lure them after the results are declared. Referring to both the DMK and AIADMK, he warned, “Even if they approach you with offers or inducements, do not switch sides.

Vijay further commended the candidates for their campaign efforts across constituencies and reminded them to stay alert and vigilant on counting day, underscoring the importance of safeguarding each vote and ensuring that the counting process proceeds without discrepancies.

The meeting is being seen as a strategic move by TVK to consolidate its position amid intense political competition and to prevent any post-election defections, as Tamil Nadu braces for what could be a closely contested electoral verdict.