CHENNAI – The Madras High Court has directed the Income Tax Department to clarify alleged discrepancies exceeding ₹100 crore in the election affidavits filed by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The order poses a significant legal challenge for his newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), just days before the state heads to the polls.
The petition, filed by a voter from the Perambur constituency, points to a massive inconsistency between the two sets of nomination papers filed by the actor.
The ₹105 Crore Discrepancy
According to the legal challenge, the income declarations in Vijay’s two affidavits do not align:
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Trichy Seat Affidavit: Reported income of ₹220 crore.
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Perambur Seat Affidavit: Reported income of ₹115 crore.
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Total Mismatch: A difference of ₹105 crore that the court has now asked tax authorities to investigate.
Electoral Implications and Demographics
The timing of the court’s intervention is critical as Tamil Nadu prepares for a single-phase election on April 23. Vijay is currently positioned in high-stakes contests that could disrupt traditional voting blocs:
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Trichy East: Vijay faces DMK’s Inigo S. Irudayaraj. This constituency is known for its significant minority population, particularly Christians, who are a decisive factor alongside Dalit and Hindu voters.
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Perambur: He is challenging the incumbent DMK MLA, RD Sekar.
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Strategic Outreach: The TVK campaign has focused heavily on the coastal belts and fisherfolk communities, aiming to consolidate minority votes that traditionally favor the Secular Progressive Alliance.
The Road to April 23
With counting scheduled for May 4, this legal hurdle adds a layer of uncertainty to a race already defined by a four-cornered contest between the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-led NDA, and the rising TVK. The Income Tax Department’s response will be pivotal in determining whether the star candidate faces further hurdles before voters reach the booths.
