Vijay asks TVK candidates to stay alert at counting centres

TVK candidate N Marie Wilson said party chief Vijay instructed candidates to remain at counting centres from early morning on May 4 and closely monitor proceedings. TVK leaders expressed confidence in their electoral prospects and dismissed speculation about an alliance with AIADMK

Chennai: TVK candidate N Marie Wilson said that his party chief Vijay, during a meeting held here on Thursday, instructed candidates to be present at the counting centres early in the morning before the counting starts and “not move an inch”.

Speaking to the media, R K Nagar candidate Wilson said, “Vijay asked us (TVK candidates) to be present at the counting centres by 6 am, advising us to stay at the front and closely monitor the proceedings, without moving an inch.”

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Elections to the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly were held on April 23, and counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The TVK candidates met Vijay to discuss their campaign experiences as well as preparations for May 4.

Wilson said they also shared their ground-level observations from their first electoral contest with the party leader.

Describing Vijay as a “very good listener”, Wilson said the field issues faced during the election, including reported friction between TVK and DMK cadres in certain parts of Chennai, were reported and the leadership took note of the events.

Addressing queries about recent exit polls that seemingly gave an edge to the DMK, Wilson clarified that exit polls were not discussed during their meeting with Vijay.

He said he would rather rely on “ground reality”, stating that after travelling and interacting directly with the public for nearly 30 days, they are fully confident that the results will be in their favour as voters have “already decided”.

He also rubbished ongoing speculation regarding a potential alliance with the AIADMK.

“This has been going on for a while now, circulated by the media and some senior journalists over the past six months,” Wilson added.