R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 31
In a dramatic turn during his electoral debut, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay has been booked for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his first campaign rally in Perambur on Monday, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.
மக்கள் விரும்பும் முதல்வர் வேட்பாளர், தமிழக மக்களின் வெற்றித் தலைவர் அவர்களின் தேர்தல் பிரசாரம் நேரலை…
பெரம்பூர் சட்டமன்றத் தொகுதிhttps://t.co/AQiM73x43e
— TVK Party HQ (@TVKPartyHQ) March 30, 2026
Vijay, who is contesting from Perambur and Tiruchy East, found himself at the centre of controversy after an election official filed a complaint citing multiple violations during the high-voltage campaign.
(2/2) pic.twitter.com/isZUNqQpEE
— TVK Party HQ (@TVKPartyHQ) March 30, 2026
According to sources, flying squad officer Kumar submitted video evidence along with the complaint, alleging that Vijay’s rally led to severe traffic congestion and disruption of public movement.
The complaint stated that the campaign deployed 30 loudspeakers—far exceeding permissible limits, while the gathering swelled to over 5,000 people. It further alleged that Vijay’s convoy blocked a main roadway and even obstructed an ambulance, raising serious public safety concerns.
Following the complaint, the Peravallur police registered a case under five sections, including public nuisance, unlawful assembly and obstruction of pathways.
POLITICAL FLASHPOINT
Even as the case gathered momentum, TVK leaders pushed back strongly.
Earlier, party functionary CTR Nirmal Kumar had approached election authorities, claiming that Vijay had to cut short his campaign due to security lapses and poor crowd control.
At a press conference, TVK’s election management propaganda secretary Aadhav Arjuna alleged,
“The police refused to make the security arrangements on the instructions of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK.”
He further stated, “Inadequate police deployment led to the traffic congestion in the Villivakkam constituency, where I am contesting.”
Aadhav also pointed to poor crowd management, saying it caused Vijay’s convoy to remain stranded for a prolonged period.
FROM SURGE TO STANDSTILL
On Monday, an overwhelming crowd trailed Vijay’s convoy from Neelankarai to the Returning Officer’s office in Perambur, where he filed his nomination papers.
The campaign trail that followed turned into a slow-moving spectacle. As Vijay proceeded towards Kolathur—represented by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin—the swelling crowd meant it took over two hours to cover just five kilometres.
He managed to address the gathering in Kolathur for barely four minutes before heading towards Villivakkam. However, mounting delays and crowd pressure forced him to cancel the Villivakkam leg altogether.
The episode prompted TVK leaders to allege that officials had deliberately created obstacles under the “instructions of the ruling DMK.”
WHY POLL CODE MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED
The incident once again underscores why strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct is non-negotiable in a democracy:
- Ensures Level Playing Field: The MCC prevents any candidate from gaining undue advantage through excessive show of strength, resources or influence.
- Protects Public Safety: Regulations on crowd size, vehicle movement and sound systems are crucial to avoid chaos, traffic paralysis and emergencies like ambulance obstruction.
- Maintains Electoral Integrity: By curbing misuse of power and ensuring disciplined campaigning, the MCC upholds the credibility of elections.
- Prevents Law & Order Breakdown: Large, unregulated gatherings can quickly spiral into disorder, making compliance essential for peaceful polling.
- Builds Voter Trust: Visible enforcement of rules reassures citizens that elections are fair, transparent and accountable.
