Dharapuram Bypoll: TVK Alleges Video Distortion as Voting Begins
Candidates Bhanumathi (AIADMK) and P Sathyabama (TVK) cast votes in Dharapuram bypoll amid allegations of video manipulation and money distribution.
The political battle for the Dharapuram Assembly seat intensified on Tuesday as voting commenced for several high-stakes by-elections across India. In Tamil Nadu, the contest in the Dharapuram (SC) constituency has become a battlefield of allegations, with candidates from the AIADMK and the newly formed TVK trading accusations of misconduct and misinformation.
Candidates Cast Votes Amidst Heated Claims
Both major contenders, AIADMK's Bhanumathi and TVK's P Sathyabama, cast their votes early in the day, expressing high levels of confidence in their respective victories. The by-election, which follows the resignations of Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama, is part of a wider polling exercise covering five Assembly seats in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, alongside a Lok Sabha seat in Assam.
AIADMK Claims Massive Victory and Reports Misconduct
Speaking to the media, Bhanumathi noted that voter turnout has been particularly enthusiastic in rural sectors. While praising the Election Commission for its logistical arrangements, she raised serious concerns regarding the influence of the TVK party in the race.
"After the TVK came into the picture, we received information that money and gifts had been distributed in some places," Bhanumathi stated. She confirmed that flying squads had been alerted and were conducting inspections at the reported locations.
The AIADMK candidate also addressed a viral video claiming that the TVK had spent approximately Rs 35 crore on the Dharapuram campaign. While she declined to comment deeply on the specific video, she remained defiant about the outcome: "The prospects are very bright. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will win... The Two Leaves symbol will definitely emerge victorious."
TVK Candidate Denounces 'Distorted' Video
On the other side of the political divide, TVK candidate P Sathyabama hit back at opponents, alleging a coordinated campaign to smear her reputation. She claimed that a video released regarding her statements was intentionally manipulated to mislead the public.
"The video released about me yesterday was distorted and misrepresented. I did not speak like that," Sathyabama alleged. She suggested that such tactics were being employed specifically because of her perceived strength in the constituency. Despite the controversy, she remained undeterred, predicting a significant mandate: "I will secure one lakh votes."
The Dharapuram Contest Breakdown
The Dharapuram (SC) bypoll is a crowded field, reflecting the intense competition in the Tiruppur district. The key contenders facing off include:
- P Sathyabama representing TVK
- Bhanumathi representing AIADMK
- Suganya representing DMK
- Lakshmanan representing CPI
- Karthika representing NTK
As polling continues, all eyes remain on the Election Commission to ensure a fair process amidst these growing allegations of digital manipulation and electoral malpractice.