Vijay's TVK Gets Whistle, Kamal's MNM Bags 'Battery Torch' As Party Symbols

The Election Commission has granted 'whistle' as poll symbol actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Also, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is given 'battery torch' as election symbol.

In a statement, the EC said that the symbols will be available for "allotment as free symbols to other candidates in the constituencies where the aforesaid party does not actually set up its candidates".

"It is hereby informed that the common symbol allotted to the respective party(s) is only for the forthcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies or the Lok Sabha... Further use of Common symbol by the respective party(s) is not allowed after the completion of the said election," the central agency stated.

"It is also informed that relevant Forms A and B in respect of the candidates whom the party intends to set up as its candidates in the above-mentioned constituencies must be delivered directly to the Chief Electoral Officer and the Returning Officers concerned within the time prescribed in Para 13 of the Symbols Order," it added.

Vijay founded his party in February 2024. Since then, he has held several rallies in parts of the state. Last year, his event in Karur ended in tragedy as a stampede killed over 41 people. He has attacked the DMK and the BJP in many of his rallies.

The TVK chief has announced that his party considers the BJP as the ideological enemy while the DMK as the political enemy.

Meanwhile, the stage is preparing for the state assembly elections which are expected to be held in April and May. The TVK has refused to be part of the alliances involving the Dravidian majors - DMK and the AIADMK.

On the other hand, the AIADMK has firmed up alliance with the BJP.

Meanwhile, Vijay's latest film Jana Nayagan is hit by censor troubles. The movie was supposed to be released on January 9 but it got postponed at the last minute. The matter is now in the Madras High Court.