BJP seeks poll body action against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay over child campaigning

The BJP has formally urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action against Tamil Nadu's ruling coalition parties for allegedly engaging children in election campaign activities during ongoing bypoll operations. The complaint centers on violations of electoral conduct rules that prohibit minors from participating in political campaign activities.

BJP functionary Nainar Nagenthran highlighted the issue by sharing video evidence on social media platforms, questioning whether Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was unaware that involving children in election campaigns constitutes a punishable offense under Indian electoral law. The BJP argued that such conduct breaches the Model Code of Conduct that governs all election-related activities across India.

The Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), an ally of the ruling DMK, has also been named in the BJP complaint. Both parties face allegations of using minors as part of their campaign strategy, a practice the BJP contends demonstrates a disregard for electoral regulations designed to protect children from political involvement.

The complaint marks the latest flashpoint in Tamil Nadu's intensifying bypoll campaign, where multiple parties have engaged in aggressive accusations regarding electoral rule violations. The ECI's response to the BJP's formal complaint remains pending, though the commission regularly addresses such allegations during active election periods.

Electoral authorities in India maintain strict guidelines preventing the participation of children in campaign activities, viewing such involvement as exploitative and a violation of child welfare norms.