Asset Discrepancy Sparks Legal Challenge for TVK Chief

The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the Income Tax department following a petition against TVK chief C Joseph Vijay. The petition claims that Vijay's asset disclosures in his nomination papers for the April 23 Assembly polls show significant discrepancies.

According to the petitioner, V Vignesh, Vijay's affidavits for the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies differ by Rs 100 crore, suggesting a ''serious irregularity''. The Perambur affidavit lists assets worth Rs 115.13 crore, while the Tiruchirappalli East document states Rs 220.15 crore.

The petitioner argues this constitutes a willful suppression of facts, violating the voter's right to truthful information. The court has directed the Income Tax department to respond to these allegations and has adjourned the matter for further hearings next week. TVK representative C T R Nirmal Kumar has called the case baseless.

(With inputs from agencies.)