The DMK’s campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is underway, led by its scion and Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi Stalin. On 24 March 2024, he embarked on a campaign trail in Theni, the sole constituency lost by the DMK in the previous election out of the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Addressing gatherings across Theni Lok Sabha constituency, including Usilampatti, Andipatti, and Theni, in support of DMK candidate Thanga Tamizhselvan, Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed confidence in a sweeping victory for the DMK and its allies. He rallied supporters, stressing the aim of securing a resounding 40 out of 40 seats this time around. He stated “Our mission is to oust anti-DMK forces such as the BJP and the AIADMK from this region, as they have consistently misled the people,” and appealed to the electorate for their assurance, emphasizing that the DMK’s victory margin in Theni should surpass all others in Tamil Nadu.
Later he highlighted the achievements of the DMK government over the past three years, Udhayanidhi enumerated various schemes benefiting economically disadvantaged sections like the CM’s Breakfast Scheme etc. Assuring voters of the DMK’s commitment, Udhayanidhi promised to scrap NEET in Tamil Nadu if the I.N.D.I alliance formed the central government. Furthermore, Udhayanidhi pledged the State government’s initiatives, including the construction of a reservoir across the Kuttukudi river in Bodinayakkanur, strengthening the Baby dam and Mullaperiyar dam, and supporting grape farmers with processing plants. He also announced plans for a railway line from Dindigul to Sabarimala and highlighted completed projects, such as modernizing infrastructure in government hospitals and implementing integrated drinking water schemes in Theni, Bodi, and Periakulam over the past three years.
However, his campaign had indicated that there was a natural influx of people drawn to Udhaynidhi Stalin and keen to engage with DMK policies. Yet, a recent viral video circulating on the internet paints a different picture. During the campaign in Theni, there were reports of money being distributed, specifically ₹200 as a token for those participating in the campaign. Not only does this breach the model code of conduct, but it also reflects a lack of genuine interest from the local populace in the campaign activities in the Theni area.
In the video, an elderly man wearing a white shirt and traditional veshti is depicted wearing the distinctive red and black scarf of the DMK, while distributing currency to a group of three to four women surrounding him. Another scene in the video shows a gathering of people, where a man in a white shirt and black pants is seen managing a token system, exchanging currency notes one by one after verifying a ₹200 rupee token. Women and men who receive the money are observed checking and storing it in their purses or bags. This video has rapidly gained traction in the media, with criticism directed towards the ruling party DMK.
வீடியோ Here. pic.twitter.com/wsiJZqqxZ1
— Roaming Raman 🚩🚩🚩(Modi ka Parivar) உங்கள் ரோரா. (@roamingraman) March 24, 2024
(With inputs from Puthiya Thalaimurai)
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