Chennai, May 1:
Buoyed by favourable exit poll projections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay on Thursday asked his party’s Assembly candidates to proceed directly to the party headquarters in Panaiyur after the election results, while stressing the need for strict vigilance on counting day.
During a closed-door meeting at the Panaiyur office, Vijay expressed confidence in the party’s electoral performance and urged candidates to remain focused until the final outcome. “Do not go anywhere after your victory. Come straight to Panaiyur. I will be waiting here,” he was quoted as telling candidates.
The interaction came a day after multiple exit polls indicated a strong showing for the newly formed party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Party sources said Vijay adopted an optimistic tone but also cautioned candidates against complacency as counting day approaches.
“He told us to wait for the results with confidence and said he believes all of us will win,” a candidate present at the meeting said, adding that the leader encouraged them to remain calm and patient until official results are declared.
Vijay also issued detailed instructions for May 4, directing all candidates to reach their respective counting centres well in advance and stay there until the process is fully completed. “We have been clearly told not to leave the counting centres under any circumstances and to remain alert throughout,” another candidate said.
During the discussion, the TVK chief reviewed constituency-wise feedback, seeking updates on ground-level sentiment, campaign performance and expected margins. Candidates briefed him on voter response across districts and organisational strengths during the campaign.
Party functionaries also flagged reports of tensions between cadres of rival parties in parts of Chennai, which were noted during the meeting. Vijay reportedly advised candidates to remain cautious and ensure strict adherence to Election Commission guidelines during the counting process.
“The people have already made their decision. We have received substantial support, and the results will show it,” Vijay told the gathering, as the party awaits its first major electoral test.