PUDUKOTTAI: AIADMK former minister C Vijayabaskar on Monday said that while “anyone can blow a whistle and it will be heard for a while, the two leaves symbol is permanently etched in the minds of the people,” asserting that the AIADMK would register a massive victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Responding to claims by actor-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay that his party’s “whistle has begun to sound” and that people have decided not to bring either the DMK or AIADMK back to power, Vijayabaskar said such noises would be temporary, whereas the AIADMK’s symbol enjoyed lasting recognition and trust among voters.

He also dismissed remarks by Minister Reghupathi that the AIADMK–BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would not gain public support, stating that only the people and voters had the authority to decide poll outcomes. “We trust the people,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Vijayabaskar launched the AIADMK’s campaign in Pudukottai district by distributing pamphlets carrying the party’s first phase of election manifesto, going door-todoor and shop-to-shop seeking votes for the two leaves symbol.

He said AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami had announced five key poll promises ahead of all other parties, including free concrete houses, Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for women and subsidised two-wheelers for women.