Several DMK candidates have reportedly sent complaints to the party leadership stating that Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) leader K. Veeramani should not campaign in support of them.
According to DMK constituency observers, Veeramani insisted with the party leadership that he would take part in election campaigning and obtained permission after pressing his request. He began campaigning a few days ago from the Alangulam constituency in support of DMK and alliance candidates. He has planned to cover 35 constituencies over a period of 16 days.
As reported in Dinamalar, it is a known fact that Veeramani has consistently expressed views critical of the Hindu religion all the time. Cadre reportedly pointed out that electoral success depends on securing votes from people of all religions, and in that context, candidates are unwilling to have someone perceived as holding an anti-Hindu stance campaign on their behalf.
Concerns have also been raised over campaign messaging. Cadre have reportedly questioned the electoral impact of seeking votes with the image of E.V. Ramasamy displayed on campaign vehicles, asking how such messaging would appeal to voters. Candidates are said to fear that votes expected to come to the DMK may be affected due to Veeramani’s campaigning.
According to sources, similar concerns are said to exist with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, which is why Veeramani has not been allowed to campaign in certain constituencies. However, due to his insistence, the party leadership has assigned him to campaign in other constituencies.
Despite candidates strongly urging the leadership not to deploy him, no change has been made. Party sources indicated that Veeramani has been sent primarily to campaign among Muslim and Christian communities, and candidates have been advised to “grit their teeth manage for some time” during his appearances.
At the same time, although Veeramani is campaigning for alliance parties including DMDK, MDMK, MMK, SDPI and the Indian Union Muslim League, he has not campaigned in support of the VCK in any constituency. Similarly, except for Sirkazhi, he has not campaigned in other reserved constituencies.
There is already internal discussion within DMK circles alleging that Veeramani has acted against Scheduled Caste communities. Observers claim that his current campaign has reinforced these concerns, with issues also surfacing within his own organisation.
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