Chennai, 22 March (H.S.): Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay will on Sunday release the party’s complete list of candidates for the April 9 Puducherry Assembly elections, marking the party’s first major electoral push in the Union Territory. The announcement comes at a crucial juncture, with just a day left for the filing of nominations.

Positioning itself as a new political alternative, TVK has decided to contest all 30 constituencies in Puducherry under its ‘Whistle’ symbol. The move signals the party’s intent to expand beyond Tamil Nadu and test its organisational strength in a multi-cornered electoral contest.

The party leadership had finalised the candidates earlier on March 16 after a structured selection process that included consultations with local functionaries and assessment of ground-level support. Emphasis is said to have been placed on fielding candidates with clean public records and strong grassroots connections.

Vijay’s announcement is expected to draw significant attention, as it will outline TVK’s electoral strategy and provide the first clear picture of its political positioning in Puducherry. Over the past few weeks, the party has been actively mobilising support, engaging with voters, and strengthening its cadre base in the region.

Party sources indicate that the list is likely to feature a blend of young entrants, professionals, and experienced local leaders, reflecting an attempt to strike a balance between fresh faces and organisational experience.

With March 23 set as the deadline for nomination filing, the candidates are expected to submit their papers soon after the official announcement. The tight timeline underscores the urgency among political parties to complete formalities and transition into full-scale campaigning.

TVK’s entry into the Puducherry polls is expected to intensify competition, potentially influencing existing political equations and adding a new dimension to the electoral battle.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman