Vijay Accuses DMK Government of Bias Before TVK’s First Statewide Campaign

TVK leader Vijay has strongly criticised the DMK government, saying excessive restrictions have been placed on his party’s rallies ahead of its maiden statewide campaign. He claims police have imposed rules not applied to other parties, arguing that this undermines democratic fairness. As TVK prepares to launch its “Meet the People” tour from Trichy, supporters are watching closely to see how much these conditions affect the campaign’s reach and tone.

What Restrictions Are Being Imposed

The police have approved TVK’s campaign event in Trichy under over 20 conditions. Permissions have been denied for certain venues, large processions, and loudspeakers. Time limits on speeches and tight controls on the number of vehicles and flags are among the constraints. TVK says some of these rules are unprecedented and not enforced on other political parties in similar situations.

TVK’s Reaction

Vijay has described the conditions as discriminatory and called on law-enforcement to act impartially. He has asked supporters to comply with police instructions but also urged them to follow campaign updates via livestream if attending in person becomes difficult. TVK emphasises the campaign will focus on local issues, administrative critique, and governance rather than personal attacks.

DMK and Government’s Position

The DMK government has defended the restrictions, citing concerns over public order, traffic disruptions, and safety. Officials say venue approvals are based on logistical feasibility and that similar rules apply when past events have risked inconvenience. They argue that ensuring permissions and policing is part of orderly campaigning rather than partisan obstruction.

Implications for Smaller Cities

In Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, where political rallies are often major events, restrictions impact how communities engage. Limiting procession routes or audio arrangements can reduce visibility and diminish turnout. For local voters, this could mean less exposure to campaign messaging and fewer opportunities to interact. For TVK, balancing strict conditions with grassroots outreach will be crucial.

What’s at Stake Ahead of the Campaign

TVK’s success may depend on how well the campaign navigates the rules. The ability to adapt—choosing compliant venues, respecting police limits, using media or online options—could offset the constraints. At the same time, perceived unfair treatment can energise supporters but may also provoke legal or political challenges.

The dispute between TVK and the DMK over these conditions underscores deeper tensions about fairness in electoral politics. For the coming weeks, what matters is not only the rhetoric but the practical reality of how campaigns are run, where, and under what terms—and whether all parties feel the rules are applied without bias.