Complaint against Vijay for urging children to influence parents’ votes

CHENNAI: A Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) functionary has lodged a complaint against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, alleging that he encouraged children to influence their parents’ voting choices, according to media reports.

Balakrishnan, a VCK functionary from Coimbatore, submitted a petition to the Police Commissioner on Friday, seeking action against the actor-turned-politician. The complaint comes in the wake of Vijay’s speech at a campaign meeting held at YMCA Grounds in Nandanam on the final day of campaigning (April 21) for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Vijay, while addressing the gathering, appealed to his young fans and children across Tamil Nadu to persuade their parents to vote for TVK. Drawing a comparison, he said that just as children insist on getting chocolates or new clothes, they should similarly urge their parents to support him at the polls.

Following the speech, videos reportedly surfaced on social media showing children insisting that their parents vote for TVK, even threatening to skip meals or not cooperate otherwise.

Citing these developments, Balakrishnan stated in his complaint that such remarks were inappropriate and set a “wrong precedent,” accusing Vijay of indirectly involving children in electoral influence and urged the Coimbatore police to take necessary action.