![\"Tamil](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130366986,imgsize-122470,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/untitled-design-17.jpg\" "\\"<p>Tamil")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTamil Nadu polls: Vijay\u2019s TVK backs independent candidate in Edappadi\u2019s Salem, calls for \u2018fitting lesson\u2019<\/p>\n
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NEW DELHI: Ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician Vijay has announced that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will support an independent candidate in the high-profile Edappadi constituency. The move comes after the party\u2019s official nominee was unable to enter the fray.In a post on X on Sunday, Vijay urged voters in Salem district to back K Premakumar, a former administrator of his fan club, describing him as \u201cour own brother.\u201d He said the party had \u201cunanimously decided to support\u201d Premakumar, who is contesting under the \u201ctelevision set\u201d symbol.\u201cTherefore, I wish to inform you that, on behalf of our Tamil Nadu Victory League, we have unanimously decided to support our former administrator, Mr K Premakumar,\u201d Vijay said, appealing to voters to ensure his victory by a \u201cmassive margin,\u201d as reported PTI.The TVK chief also struck a sharp political tone, calling on supporters to deliver a result that would serve as a \u201cfitting lesson\u201d to those who allegedly tried to suppress the party\u2019s symbol through \u201cunderhanded means.\u201d<\/p>\n Premakumar\u2019s backing comes after the Election Commission rejected TVK\u2019s official candidate Arun Kumar\u2019s nomination on technical grounds, forcing the party to recalibrate its strategy in the constituency. Premakumar is now being projected as the party\u2019s \u201ccandidate in spirit.\u201dThe Edappadi Assembly seat is considered a stronghold of Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister, making the contest politically significant.The development comes days after Vijay unveiled TVK\u2019s manifesto for the elections, outlining a range of welfare measures, including monthly financial assistance for women, interest-free loans for self-help groups, job creation initiatives, and expanded healthcare coverage.Launched in February 2024, TVK is contesting its first Assembly elections, positioning itself as a challenger to established Dravidian parties in the state.<\/div>\nNomination setback prompts strategic shift<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n