Congress Official from Madurai Files Petition Seeking Ban on Vijay’s Films Until Elections Conclude

As the Tamil Nadu Assembly election landscape heats up, a Congress official from Madurai has submitted a request to the Election Commission seeking a ban on the screening of actor Vijay’s films in theaters and their broadcast on television, citing his participation as the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Syed Babu, an official of the Madurai City District Congress Committee, stated in a letter sent to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu:

Political Entry: Actor Vijay has launched a party called ‘Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’ and is actively contesting the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He is positioning himself as the party’s star campaigner and Chief Ministerial candidate.

Advertising Strategy: With the Model Code of Conduct in effect, screening films starring Vijay in theaters or broadcasting them on satellite television channels would serve as an indirect form of election campaigning in his favor.

Unequal Opportunity: He pointed out in his petition that this would adversely affect candidates from other political parties and could influence the mindset of the voters.

The key points emphasized by Syed Babu in his petition to the Election Commission are: A ban should be imposed on screening both old and new films starring Vijay in theaters until the election process is fully completed. Private and government cable TV channels should not broadcast songs, comedy clips, or full movies featuring Vijay. The Election Commission must ensure that all candidates in the electoral fray receive an equal opportunity.

While legal battles are already ongoing regarding the release of Vijay’s latest film, ‘Jananayagan’, this complaint by the Congress official has caused a major stir in political circles and among Vijay’s fans.

Notably, debates regarding the screening of films featuring political leaders during election periods have surfaced multiple times in the past. It remains to be seen what action the Election Commission will take on Syed Babu’s petition.