Vijay faces heat over Trichy church visit in party scarf ahead of TN elections

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) supremo Vijay has landed in a new controversy with his political opponents accusing him of violating electoral norms while visiting religious places ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

One such incident happened in Tiruchirapalli, where the actor-politician was seen wearing his party's red-yellow scarf inside the local St. Anthony's Church ahead of campaigning. He was also seen walking on his knees as he offered prayers with folded hands.

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Vijay is contesting the upcoming elections from two seats: Trichy East and Perambur.

Although Vijay avoided public speeches and focused only on symbolic outreach during his visit to the church, his actions came under scrutiny. P Shanmugam, Tamil Nadu state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), alleged that entering a place of worship wearing party symbols during a campaign goes against the norms.

He said, “Visiting religious places for prayer differs from doing so clad in a party scarf during an election trip.”

Former CEC urges caution

Besides visiting the church, Vijay also visited an Amman temple and a mosque in Trichy's K K Nagar area. However, on those occasions, he did not wear the party's symbol, which fuelled the row further.

When The Federal spoke with former chief election commissioner T S Krishnamurthy on the matter, he urged caution before drawing conclusions. He said that “the exact recording of his visit should be examined before charging Vijay of any election rules violation”.

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Krishnamurthy also pointed out that election rules clearly state that candidates should not use religious identity to canvass votes.

The latest controversy surrounding Vijay has erupted just days ahead of his electoral debut. The campaign for the state polls will conclude on Tuesday (April 21).

Not all supporters are happy

However, despite the controversy, Vijay’s roadshow drew large crowds and caused traffic disruptions in Trichy. His supporters welcomed him enthusiastically, presenting gifts and photo frames, including one featuring Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam temple.

TVK candidates R Kadiravan and Kuppa Krishnan from Manaparai and Lalgudi constituencies, respectively, accompanied him throughout the campaign. Both these constituencies are located in Tiruchirapalli district.

However, not all supporters were satisfied. Many expressed disappointment over Vijay not addressing the gatherings. An election campaign “without speeches but rich in symbolism” did not meet their expectations, highlighting a gap between strategy and supporter sentiment.

Vijay indirectly helping BJP: VCK chief

Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan alleged that the TVK supremo's political entry is aimed at splitting minority votes and indirectly aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He urged Tamil Nadu voters to support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance, of which the VCK is a part, and questioned Vijay’s silence on key issues.

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Thirumavalavan also flagged that Vijay has not taken a clear stand against the BJP, particularly on matters like the use of FCRA (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act), which he claimed impacts Christian institutions.

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