With campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections entering its final phase ahead of polling on 23 April 2026, a tense incident at a high-profile campaign event in the Trichy East constituency has triggered widespread concern.
Dindigul Leoni, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and DMKleader, was reportedly targeted when an unidentified person hurled a glass bottle at him during a late-night campaign on 19 April 2026. He was campaigning at the Keezhaputhur Arasamaram area in support of Inigo Irudayaraj, the sitting MLA and candidate of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
During his speech, Leoni made a pointed remark on alleged inducements in elections, stating: “We can give a coupon for gold or clothes. But if we give ₹2,000, can we get votes just by giving a dhoti (veshti)?”
The Trichy East constituency has emerged as a key battleground in the ongoing elections, drawing statewide attention as Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is also contesting. The contest is widely seen as a direct and intense fight between Vijay and Inigo Irudayaraj, with Rajasekar of the AIADMK also in the fray.
The incident occurred while Leoni was addressing a gathering and highlighting the DMK government’s one-year achievements and welfare schemes. According to eyewitnesses, unidentified individuals from within the crowd suddenly threw an empty glass bottle towards the stage. The bottle landed just in front of Leoni’s face, struck the campaign vehicle, and shattered on impact.
The sudden attack caused panic at the venue, with party workers and members of the public scattering in different directions. The disruption briefly halted the campaign and raised immediate concerns over the adequacy of security arrangements at political events involving senior speakers.
Despite the proximity of the attack, Leoni escaped without any injuries.
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This is not the first such incident involving him. In 2016, stones were reportedly thrown at Leoni during a campaign event in Madurai, as reported in Indian Express Tamil.
Following the incident, DMK cadres at the venue reportedly attempted to stage a protest, further escalating tensions at the site.
The Tiruchirappalli City Police have registered a case and initiated a search to identify and apprehend those responsible. Investigations are currently underway.
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