In a bold declaration of electoral ambition, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has set its sights on a near-total sweep of the crucial Kongu region in the forthcoming Tamil Nadu state assembly elections. The party's chief coordinator, K A Sengottaiyan, made this confident prediction during his visit to Mettupalayam in Coimbatore on Saturday.
Confident Prediction Amidst Opinion Poll Skepticism
While addressing the media, Sengottaiyan directly addressed a recent opinion poll from Loyola College, which did not project a favorable outcome for TVK. He dismissed its significance, citing historical precedent. He reminded everyone that in the 2016 assembly elections, the same institution's poll had predicted M K Stalin would become chief minister, but the late J Jayalalithaa had secured the victory. This, he argued, proved such polls were unreliable.
"Anyone who accepts Vijay as the chief minister could join TVK," Sengottaiyan stated, reinforcing the party's central leadership narrative around actor-politician Vijay. His comments underscored the party's strategy to build a campaign focused on the popular figurehead rather than being swayed by pre-election surveys.
Open Doors for OPS and Silence on DMK Leaders
When questioned about the potential induction of former chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) into the TVK fold, Sengottaiyan's response was unequivocal. He asserted that OPS would "certainly join the party," signaling ongoing negotiations and a possible significant expansion of TVK's political base ahead of the polls.
However, the TVK leader chose to remain silent on a separate controversy. He refused to answer a question regarding the conduct of DMK minister Sekar Babu and MP Vaigai Selvan towards devotees in temples. This selective engagement indicates a focused media strategy, avoiding topics that might divert attention from the party's core election messaging.
Groundwork in the Kongu Belt
Sengottaiyan's visit to Mettupalayam was not just for media interactions. He actively participated in various events organized by local TVK functionaries throughout the day. This grassroots engagement in the heart of the Kongu Nadu region highlights the party's concerted effort to build a strong organizational presence in an area traditionally influential in state politics. The claim of conquering 99% of the region is a dramatic expression of this ambition, aiming to position TVK as the dominant force in this key political landscape.
The upcoming state assembly election in Tamil Nadu is shaping up to be a multi-cornered contest. TVK's aggressive posturing, dismissal of unfavorable polls, and active outreach for alliances and inductions like that of OPS suggest a party preparing for a high-stakes battle. Their success in the Kongu region, which encompasses several western districts including Coimbatore, will be a critical metric of their actual political impact versus their ambitious claims.
