“TVK candidates were chased by voters”: DMK alleges bribery in bypolls
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan claims TVK candidates are using money and goods to win bypolls after being chased away by voters.
The political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu has intensified as the DMK has leveled serious allegations against the TVK during the ongoing by-elections. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan claimed that candidates from the TVK faced significant backlash from the public, even being chased away by voters in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam constituencies.
Allegations of Money and Goods Distribution
Speaking to the media, Elangovan suggested that the dissatisfaction among the electorate is so high that the TVK is resorting to unethical means to secure votes. He alleged that the party is actively involved in distributing money and various goods to compensate for the lack of public support.
"One thing is, TVK candidates were chased by the voters themselves. Just to cover them, they are involved in money, paying money and distributing goods also," Elangovan stated, highlighting the tension on the ground.
Root of the Dissatisfaction
The DMK spokesperson further explained that the current unpopularity of the TVK candidates stems from local political shifts. He noted that voters are unhappy with AIADMK MLAs who had previously been elected on an AIADMK ticket but shifted sides prior to these by-elections. This perceived betrayal has reportedly left the electorate feeling disillusioned, directly impacting the prospects of the TVK candidates.
Polling Status in Tamil Nadu
The by-elections are being held for two crucial Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, following the resignations of Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama. According to the Election Commission of India, the early morning turnout was recorded as follows:
- Madurantakam (SC): 15.99 per cent turnout as of 9:30 am.
- Dharapuram (SC): 17.55 per cent turnout as of 9:30 am.
In the Madurantakam constituency, located in the Chengalpattu district, the TVK's Maragatham Kumaravel is navigating a crowded field that includes candidates from the DMK, AIADMK, CPM, and NTK, among a total of 28 contestants. Meanwhile, in the Dharapuram seat in Tiruppur district, TVK's P Sathyabama is facing competition from the DMK, AIADMK, CPI, and NTK.
Wider Election Landscape
While Tamil Nadu focuses on its Assembly bypolls, voting is also underway for five Assembly seats across West Bengal and Puducherry, as well as a Lok Sabha seat in Assam. In the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election in Assam, the contest has turned into a three-way battle between the BJP, Congress, and AIUDF. The seat became vacant after Pradyut Bordoloi transitioned from the Congress to the BJP.