Chennai, Apr 28: Tamil Nadu-based child rights activists, including members of TN Child Rights Watch, have strongly criticised C. Joseph Vijay over alleged conduct during his election campaign that they say endangered children and promoted troubling behavioural patterns. The group described the campaign methods as fostering coercive, emotionally harmful, and potentially unsafe behaviour among children. It has demanded an immediate public apology from Vijay, who leads Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), along with the removal of all related online content and corrective measures. In its complaint submitted to Archana Patnaik and the Tamil Nadu Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, TNCRW cited multiple instances where children were allegedly encouraged to pressure their parents to vote for the party’s “Whistle” symbol. According to the organisation, videos circulating online showed children crying, refusing food, and expressing distress, indicating what it termed a systemic pattern rather than isolated incidents.
The activists further claimed that such campaign messaging had led to emotional strain, rigid behaviour, and tension within families, raising serious concerns about the psychological well-being of children. TNCRW has called on Vijay and his party to immediately stop involving children in political activities, delete all such content from social media, and cooperate with child protection authorities. The group also urged strict adherence to election guidelines that prohibit the use of children in campaigning. Additionally, the complaint pointed to potential violations under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, including provisions related to cruelty and exploitation of children. It has sought an inquiry, action under the Model Code of Conduct, and clear directions to all political parties to refrain from engaging children in any form of election-related activity.