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TN bypolls: TVK, allies to hold joint rally in Madurantakam today; CM Vijay to skip

Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 1 (IANS) The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and its alliance partners will hold a joint public meeting in Madurantakam on Thursday, seeking to demonstrate unity and strengthen their campaign against the DMK and AIADMK ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypoll. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore, MDMK general secretary Vaiko and IUML president K.M. Khader Mohideen are scheduled to address the gathering alongside TVK general secretaries N. Anand and Aadhav Arjuna. The meeting will be the first joint campaign organised by the TVK-led Secular Social Justice Victory alliance since its formation on September 9. Organisers expect around 5,000 people to attend. The rally comes amid unease among alliance partners over Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays recent campaign in Madurantakam, during which he did not share the stage with their leaders. His speech mentioned the IUML but left out the other constituents, prompting murmurs of dissatisfaction within the alliance. CM Vijay will also be absent from the Thursday meeting. He is scheduled to campaign separately in the constituency on October 2. TVK leaders, however, believe the participation of senior alliance leaders at the joint meeting, followed by CM Vijays campaign, will reinforce their collective strength and help answer criticism from the opposition. VCK General Secretary D. Ravikumar said the decision to organise the rally followed discussions on bringing all alliance partners together for a coordinated campaign. Thirumavalavan had initially planned a separate campaign in support of the TVK candidate. TVK leaders subsequently proposed a common platform involving the alliances principal leaders to demonstrate solidarity and counter the oppositions offensive. The alliance is seeking to challenge AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswamis appeal for justice for the betrayal and allegations of horse-trading directed at TVK and its leadership. Ravikumar said the joint meeting and CM Vijays subsequent visit were expected to strengthen the alliances response to these charges during the closing stages of campaigning. He visited the proposed venue with TVK functionaries and election coordinators to review preparations and oversee arrangements for the gathering. However, Ravikumar ruled out organising a similar joint rally in Dharapuram, where a bypoll is also scheduled, citing insufficient time to make the necessary arrangements. With campaigning ending on October 4, the Madurantakam meeting gives alliance leaders a shared platform before the final push for votes.