Chennai: Seeking to counter criticism that TVK revolves solely around its founder Vijay, the party rolled out a state-wide election campaign without him at the forefront.The panel, split into different teams, will hold rallies across all 38 districts over the next two weeks. The campaign began with a meeting at the YMCA in Royapettah, Chennai, on Wednesday. Led by KA Sengottaiyan, the panel will share the stage with district-level functionaries and potential candidates.“For years, the DMK claimed Chennai as its fortress but delivered little,” TVK joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar said, pointing to flooding despite Rs 5,000 crore spent on stormwater drains, reliance on motor pumps, and absent corporation councillors. “It would not be surprising if even Stalin and Udhayanidhi change their constituencies, as Chennai will vote for TVK.” Later, explaining the party’s silence after an AIADMK attack, he said TVK regarded only the DMK as its political rival and did not see the need to engage with parties without a presence on the ground.Vijay is expected to join the campaign only after this tour, starting his outreach from Salem. He will subsequently participate in 3 public meetings and a party conference, party sources said.
