CHENNAI: With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing near, political parties are intensifying their campaigns across the state, making their final pitches to voters on the last day of campaigning. The Election Commission has set a strict deadline of 6 p.m. today for all campaigning activities to cease, signaling the imminent start of the electoral process.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the political landscape is abuzz with activity as major alliances and independent parties vie for attention. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance, a coalition of 16 parties, is facing stiff competition from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi Palanisamy, which includes four major partners and several smaller parties. Adding to the dynamic, actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and actor Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are contesting independently. The All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, led by V.K. Sasikala, has also formed an alliance with the PMK founder Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss.
The final day of campaigning has seen prominent leaders from across the spectrum making their last-minute appeals. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking for the NDA, asserted that a “massive wave” in favor of the alliance is evident across Tamil Nadu. Edappadi Palanisamy, AIADMK general secretary, has been critical of the DMK, attributing dynastic rule and a decline in law and order to the current government. He also claimed that successful schemes initiated by the previous AIADMK government have been neglected. Conversely, DMK MP Kanimozhi has been highlighting the achievements of the incumbent DMK government during her campaign in Thoothukudi.
The political discourse has been marked by sharp exchanges. BJP leader K. Annamalai participated in a two-wheeler rally in Coimbatore South, criticizing the DMK’s decision to field V. Senthil Balaji despite ongoing cases against him. PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has raised concerns about the rising violence against women and criticized the DMK for allegedly obstructing the Women’s Reservation Bill. Actor-politician Vijay, campaigning in Chennai, has urged his supporters to pressure their families to vote for TVK. He has also claimed that the DMK would “surrender” to national leaders Narendra Modi and Amit Shah after the elections and accused both the DMK and BJP of exerting pressure on him. Vijay has challenged Edappadi Palanisamy to contest from a constituency other than the one near Salem, referencing the rejection of a TVK candidate’s nomination. He further stated that voting for the DMK or other parties is akin to voting for the BJP, and suggested that DMK president M.K. Stalin would regret targeting him.
Meanwhile, the issue of alleged cash distribution for votes has also surfaced, with residents in Kottur, near Coimbatore, protesting their exclusion from such handouts, demanding “equal treatment.” Local police have warned of legal action against both demanding and accepting money for votes, emphasizing that such activities are criminal offenses.
The Election Commission’s directive sets a clear end to the electioneering, with no further campaigning permitted after 6 p.m. This marks the culmination of an intense period of political activity aimed at persuading the electorate ahead of the April 23 polling. A total of 4023 candidates are reportedly in the fray, making this election a highly contested one. The AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has also weighed in, cautioning the AIADMK against aligning with the BJP and referencing the political situation of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Congress party has accused the Income Tax department of misusing central agencies against its State President Selva Perunthagai.
The final day of campaigning has underscored the diverse strategies and allegiances, with parties focusing on local issues, national narratives, and personal attacks to sway voters in what is shaping up to be a multi-cornered contest in many constituencies. The intense heat of the summer season is also adding a challenge for both campaigners and voters on this final day of electioneering.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
