Vijay Clarifies Chennai Meeting With School Toppers, Says Event Has No Political Motive

Vijay Rules Out Political Agenda Behind Meeting With Chennai School Toppers, Urges Students to Focus on Education

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay has clarified that his interaction with school toppers in Chennai was not intended to serve any political purpose, dismissing speculation that the event was connected to voter outreach or the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The clarification came on Wednesday as the Madras High Court’s recent remarks on involving children in political campaigns brought renewed attention to TVK’s activities.

During the annual felicitation programme, Vijay honoured Class 10 and Class 12 toppers with cash prizes and certificates for their academic achievements. The initiative, which started in 2023, has been organised to encourage students and recognise educational excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay said he was attending the programme as a well-wisher rather than in his capacity as Chief Minister. He also rejected suggestions that he was using the occasion to prepare for the next general elections.

“Perhaps you think Vijay is preparing for 2029 now itself. But nothing of the sort. I am not here to speak politics and am not seeking votes either,” he told the students, encouraging them to concentrate on their studies and future goals.

He further advised students to respect one another, particularly between boys and girls, and warned them against drugs, corruption, bribery and other harmful practices.

TVK Responds to High Court’s Concerns

The Madras High Court had recently expressed strong reservations about the participation of children in TVK’s political campaigns, describing the practice as being in bad taste.

Reacting to the court’s observations, party spokesperson M Sathya Kumar acknowledged the concerns and said TVK was taking steps to comply with the court’s directions.

“The court observations are valid. We are abundantly cautious. We are consciously following the court order,” he said.

However, Kumar maintained that the party could not stop children from voluntarily associating with it or participating in campaigning activities.

Defending Vijay’s student felicitation programme, he said the initiative had been running for several years, beginning on a small scale before expanding to constituency-level events. He added that Vijay wanted to continue recognising meritorious students even after assuming the office of Chief Minister.