Actor-turned-politician Vijay has run into early controversy in his electoral debut, with discrepancies emerging in the affidavits filed for two constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief is contesting from both Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East. While the dual-seat strategy was seen as a calculated political move, the focus has now shifted to inconsistencies in his statutory declarations.
According to available details, the affidavits show differences in key disclosures. In the Perambur nomination, Vijay is said to have declared that there are no pending criminal cases against him. However, in the Tiruchirappalli East affidavit, two pending FIRs have reportedly been mentioned. This contradiction has become the central point of the controversy.
Financial disclosures also appear to vary. The Perambur filing reportedly mentions a single bank account with around ₹1 lakh earmarked for election expenses, while the Tiruchirappalli East affidavit is said to list two bank accounts. Such differences, especially in legally binding documents, are now under scrutiny.
Under election law, affidavits are not mere formalities. They are sworn declarations, and any inconsistency or omission can attract legal consequences under the Representation of the People Act. If the discrepancies are found to be intentional, it could lead to objections, legal challenges, or further action.
Politically, this comes at a sensitive moment. Vijay is attempting to position himself as a clean and credible alternative in Tamil Nadu politics. However, these issues risk shifting the narrative from his political message to questions about transparency.
His decision to contest from two constituencies was meant to provide strategic security in his first election. Instead, it has opened up an unexpected front of scrutiny even before polling begins.
Whether this remains a technical issue or escalates into a larger legal and political controversy will depend on how Vijay responds. For now, his debut battle has become more complicated than anticipated.
