Thousands flock as TVK chief Vijay files nomination for Trichy East assembly seat

TRICHY: Thousands of fans flocked as TVK chief Vijay filed his nomination to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections from the Trichy East constituency on Thursday. This is the second seat he is contesting, having earlier filed his nomination from Perambur on 30 March.

He will take on Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidates RD Sekar in Perambur and Inigo S Irudayaraj in Trichy East. Supporters gathered in large numbers at Tiruchirappalli Airport to welcome the leader, with a party carcade accompanying him ahead of his official engagements. The Perambur constituency was historically considered a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) until 2016. RD Sekar has represented the seat since winning a by-election in 2019. Vijay had earlier unveiled his party’s manifesto on 30 March, outlining a series of welfare and development measures. Addressing a press conference in Chennai, he stressed his vision for a drug-free and self-reliant Tamil Nadu. He said anti-drug protection zones" will be established in all schools and colleges across the state. "Our primary goal is to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu," he asserted. He also assured that all government examinations will be conducted on time without delays.

Among the key promises, Vijay announced a monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 for graduates and Rs 2,000 for diploma holders. Outlining his broader vision, he said, "Our long-term goal is to transform youth from job seekers into job creators." He promised the "Local Employment for Local People" scheme, stating that steps will be taken to ensure 75 per cent of jobs in Tamil Nadu are given to Tamils. Further, Vijay unveiled the "Creative Entrepreneurs Scheme", aimed at transforming Tamil Nadu into a global hub for creators.

Under this initiative, efforts will be made to develop 1.5 lakh creators into entrepreneurs, along with the establishment of 500 creative schools across the state. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on 23 April, covering all 234 constituencies. Counting of votes is scheduled for 4 May. The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led in the state by the AIADMK along with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).