A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate in Tiruchirappalli has drawn attention with an unusual campaign prop — a doll resembling party chief Vijay.
Navalpattu Viji, the TVK candidate from the Thiruverumbur constituency, travelled in a campaign vehicle to file his nomination carrying the Vijay doll. The move, described as a first-of-its-kind attempt in Tamil Nadu’s election scene, became a talking point among onlookers.
Speaking about the idea, Viji said he had worked in the DMK for about 40 years without receiving recognition, and that Vijay gave him his first opportunity to contest an MLA election. He said he would remain loyal and claimed he was receiving a positive response from voters in the constituency.
Viji said the doll was meant to convey that Vijay is “always with him” and that he would continue to take it along during campaigning so people feel as if the leader has come in person. He added that the doll was made by his son.
The report also noted that Viji previously served as the DMK’s Thiruverumbur union secretary, lost his post and was expelled after criticising Minister Mahesh on social media, and was known as a close loyalist of Minister Nehru.
