Just like the humorous analogy from a Vadivelu comedy, ‘There is a minefield everywhere you step’ the situation for the incumbent DMK MPs seeking re-elected again in their constituencies feels similarly precarious. Each time they approach voters for support in the upcoming elections, they are met with a barrage of probing questions regarding unfulfilled promises from their previous campaigns. This scrutiny is causing many MPs to shy away, realizing the challenge they face in convincing constituents amidst their unresolved commitments.
The electoral region of Chennai Central encompasses Villivakkam, Egmore, Harbour, Chepauk-Triplicane, Thousand Lights, and Anna Nagar. In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the primary contenders vying for the parliamentary seat are the current Member of Parliament, Dayanidhi Maran, alongside Vinoj P Selvam representing the BJP, and Parthasarathy from the DMDK party. Notably, the Maran family has held a stronghold in this constituency for over 15 years.
Against the backdrop of the election campaign, Dayanidhi Maran, the incumbent DMK MP seeking re-election from the same constituency, faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents. In 2019, the DMK had put out nearly 100 poll promises in their manifesto. However, whether any of those promises were fulfilled is something that was writ large on the faces of the residents of these constituencies.
Just a few days ago, the incumbent South Chennai MP was turned away by residents in Bharathi Nagar in the Mylapore locality of South Chennai constituency. This saw a repeat with DMK’s Central Chennai incumbent MP Dayanidhi Maran.
During a procession on Adams Road, residents blocked Maran’s vehicle, expressing anger over his unfulfilled promise to build housing board houses for Lock Nagar. Maran caught off guard, attempted to justify himself to a woman who questioned him over not getting houses constructed for the residents there. However, amidst the crowd, another woman expressed disbelief and frustration, remarking, “They come just to ask votes” Maran, visibly agitated, retorted sharply, singling out the woman who spoke pointed a finger at her, and stated, “Hey! Be quiet, You are speaking like a fool (Loosu), I’m talking here, she is also talking. I’m speaking for you (Singular Tone), am I speaking for myself?”.
Maran was seen speaking in circles to make the woman understand the reason for the delay in implementing the project.
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