Vijay calls on CEO, given nod to hold public meeting at Perambur in Chennai

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder actor C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik at the Secretariat in Chennai, alleging that there “exists a serious, credible, and widespread apprehension” that the administrative machinery is being used selectively, denying Opposition parties equal campaign opportunities.

In the petition, Mr. Vijay said law and order mechanisms were not being applied uniformly and alleged that “field officers are functioning under pressure”. He cited a series of incidents that, he said, had affected the party, including denial of permission for a rally in Perambur, arbitrary refusals citing crowd control, selective enforcement of procedural rules, the attempted closure of a party office in Villivakkam, and last-minute denial of permissions.

He sought the immediate transfer of key officials, including the Director-General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, ADGP (Law and Order), senior intelligence officials, and the head of the Armed Police.

Special police observers

He also urged the Election Commission to appoint special police observers, bring deployment under strict supervision, ensure a transparent and uniform permission system, and scrutinise decisions taken during the Model Code of Conduct to prevent misuse of State machinery.

Echoing these concerns, TVK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan criticised officials for delaying or denying permission for events linked to the party and questioned what he described as “double standards” in allowing political gatherings.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Sengottaiyan said that despite repeated requests, permission for a planned programme had not been granted in time. “We asked for permission to hold the event, but it was not given. Even when we try to proceed in a proper and legal manner, we are unable to do so,” he said.

After rejecting an application by the TVK for a gathering of 3,000 people during the election campaign, the Perambur Assembly Constituency Returning Officer on Saturday granted permission for a small gathering of 100 people for the election meeting of TVK chief Vijay.

According to election officials, the TVK party had requested permission for a smaller gathering of 100 persons, which was granted. Mr. Vijay’s meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on TVK 2nd Link Road-Vivekanandar 2nd Street junction, opposite the Kodungaiyur Police Station in ward 36 of the Greater Chennai Corporation in Perambur constituency.