Using Kids in Poll Campaign Cannot Invalidate Election, Vijay Tells Court

CHENNAI — The use of children in election campaigns cannot by itself serve as a ground to invalidate an election victory, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay stated in an affidavit submitted in response to petitions challenging his election from the Perambur and Trichy East Assembly constituencies.

Responding to three election petitions filed against his victory, Vijay stated that even a violation of directives issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) does not constitute a statutory ground for declaring an election void.

In his affidavit, Vijay pointed out that the petitioners challenging his election had failed to establish any factual link between the alleged violations and the final outcome of the contest.

He submitted that the petitioners had not explained any factual connection between his victory and the alleged violation of the MCC. Furthermore, no material facts were pleaded to demonstrate how any alleged violation resulted in him obtaining votes that would have otherwise gone to others, or how the alleged conduct affected the result of the election.

Vijay also highlighted that the petitions lacked specific material facts detailing how the alleged involvement of children led to any particular number of votes being cast in his favour, or how it otherwise materially affected the overall election result.