MDMK chief Vaiko sparked a buzz in Tamil Nadu’s political circles by hailing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, as a "force to reckon with".
MDMK, an ally of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), made the remarks a day after several exit polls predicted a strong performance by TVK in the assembly elections.
"The TVK is a force to reckon with and may produce surprising results," Vaiko was quoted as saying in media reports.
However, Vaiko expressed confidence that the DMK-led front would form the government, emphasising that the alliance remains the definitive choice for the majority of voters.
"My belief is that the DMK will form a government. The DMK alliance will gain the majority," he said.
Elections for the 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu were held on April 23, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.
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In Tamil Nadu, most exit polls forecast the return of the DMK government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, but also predicted a strong showing by the TVK, which is making its electoral debut in the assembly polls.
The People's Insight survey projected TVK to secure 30-40 seats, while P-Marq estimated 67-81 seats for Vijay’s party.
However, the most dramatic forecast came from NDTV-Axis My India, which predicted TVK could win between 98 and 120 seats, positioning the party as a potential major political force in Tamil Nadu. The poll also projected TVK to secure roughly 35% of the vote share, essentially sidelining the political influence of the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
Meanwhile, Vijay has instructed the TVK candidates to be present at the counting centres early in the morning before the counting starts and "not move an inch".
"Vijay asked us (TVK candidates) to be present at the counting centres by 6 am, advising us to stay at the front and closely monitor the proceedings, without moving an inch," R K Nagar candidate N Marie Wilson told the media.
Thiruparankundram candidate and TVK spokesperson C.T. Nirmal Kumar said the state has witnessed an unprecedented election marked by a desire among the public for a total political change.
Kumar told reporters at TVK headquarters in Panaiyur that voters from rival camps, including the DMK and AIADMK, have shifted their support toward TVK.