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News Tamil Nadu

Ground Reality Of The DMK: A Recap Of Instances Of Voter Discontent In TN Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections

April 3, 2024
The Commune

There seems to be a palpable amount of displeasure and dissatisfaction among the people with regard to the performance of the ruling DMK. This is very evident from the fact that the public is courageously questioning their MPs and MLAs as they are visiting the constituencies after a gap of 5 years.

In this report, we bring to you the various instances of such an open display of displeasure by the public in Tamil Nadu.

P Chidambaram

In the Karaikudi region, P Chidambaram who was canvassing for votes for his son Karthi Chidambaram contesting from the Sivagangai constituency, was confronted by women voters who expressed their dissatisfaction and raised pointed queries, including the persistence of a TASMAC shop despite fatalities and lack of job opportunities. Angered women demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns. Karthi’s absence in the constituency added to discontent. Administrators intervened to calm tensions, and Chidambaram left midway. 

Sasikanth Senthil

Former IAS officer Sasikanth Senthil, now Congress candidate for Tiruvallur Lok Sabha Constituency, faced scrutiny during campaigning. A video captured DMK MLA VG Rajendran who was campaigning for Sasikatnth giving an aggressive response to a villager’s query about unfulfilled promises. Rajendran boasted about developmental projects, shifting blame to critics. He then diverted focus to the DMK’s initiatives, insinuating arrogance. DMK supporters subsequently intimidated the questioner.

MK Stalin

The DMK pledged a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to all women in the state under the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, but currently, only 30% receive it. During an interaction with the public, a woman queried Chief Minister MK Stalin about the unfulfilled promise. However, Stalin dismissed her, claiming she was ineligible and was wrong to ask for the allowance. 

Udhayanidhi Stalin

During Udhayanidhi Stalin’s campaign in Madurantakam, tensions flared as women voters confronted him about shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, challenging DMK’s promises. Udhayanidhi reminded them of DMK’s pledge to close TASMAC outlets in 2016 but blamed the people for voting for ADMK and thus deflecting blame onto the previous ADMK government for not doing anything. The women demanded the closure of all TASMAC shops, but Udhayanidhi avoided making any commitments, opting for evasion tactics. 

Kathir Anand

During a campaign event in Vellore, Kathir Anand commented on the appearance of women, suggesting that their faces were shining due to the use of fairness cream and powder. He questioned whether they had already received ₹1,000, seemingly referring to the state’s scheme providing financial assistance to women homemakers. Anand’s remarks have sparked controversy and criticism. When this video was shown to women across the state, they said they felt insulted, the comments were derogatory, and that most of them had not even received the money for him to make those comments.

Dayanidhi Maran

Chennai Central’s Dayanidhi Maran, aiming for re-election, encountered resident backlash for undelivered commitments, notably housing projects. During a procession, Maran faced resident anger, with one woman rebuking him, highlighting politicians’ vote-seeking nature. Maran’s retort, calling the woman a fool, further escalated tensions. Despite attempts to justify delays, constituents remain dissatisfied, reflecting broader discontent towards DMK’s performance. 

Periyasamy

In Dindigul, the visibly angry public warned DMK MLA I Periyasamy who also functions as the Minister of Rural Development, Panchayats and Panchayat Union from entering their village and sent him back. He went there to campaign for INDI alliance member Communist party candidate Sachidanandam. However, the people chased him away stating there was no water or jobs in the village and he didn’t have to come there seeking votes. 

Anita Radhakrishnan

Campaigning for Thirunelveli Congress candidate Robert Bruce, DMK Minister of Animal Husbandry of Tamil Nadu, Anita R Radhakrishnan faced backlash from the public, especially women at Mukkudal. The women demanded why they were not given the promised ₹1,000. To this, Radhakrishnan replied saying that the needful will be done after the elections. However, the women chased him out stating that they were not going to vote this time, and warned him not to make an appearance again seeking votes. 

DMK Candidate Prakash & DMK Minister Kayalvizhi

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, DMK’s Prakash contests from Erode constituency amidst farmer protests demanding water release from Thirumurthy to Upparu Dam. Despite appeals for negotiations, no action has been taken, prompting farmers to display black flags in protest. Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Kayalvizhi’s campaign visit to Kundadam Therpadhai faced tensions as locals, frustrated by the water crisis, urged politicians not to seek votes without addressing concerns. Kayalvizhi stayed inside her vehicle amid protests, while Prakash hastily concluded the campaign amidst the tense atmosphere.

Tamizhachi Thangapandian

In South Chennai’s parliamentary constituency, during incumbent DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian‘s campaign, residents in Mylapore erupted in discontent, accusing her of neglecting critical issues like damaged housing boards despite assurances. They questioned her commitment beyond elections, emphasizing the urgency of repairs and highlighting concerns about clean water access. Thangapandian affirmed her dedication but faced skepticism. She was turned away by the residents.

Kalanidhi Veerasamy

DMK candidate Kalanidhi Veerasamy kicked off his campaign in Tiruvottiyur for the North Chennai Lok Sabha seat, followed by a voter outreach program at the Urban Habitat Development Board residence in Kolathur constituency. However, tensions flared as women residents, feeling neglected during the December floods, questioned the party’s intentions. They lamented their exclusion from relief efforts despite residing in the affected flats and expressed frustration at being approached for votes afterward.

Jothimani

Congress MP Jyotimani, contesting for reelection in Tamil Nadu’s Karur constituency under the DMK alliance, faced tough questions from constituents during campaigning. A resident expressed skepticism over her sudden appearance, questioning her absence in the past five years. Jyotimani defended her record, emphasizing her parliamentary participation.

Thanga Tamil Selvan

Campaigning for the Theni Lok Sabha seat, Thanga Tamil Selvan faced scrutiny over long-standing road issues in Alagarsamipuram village. His response, attributing lack of engagement to fatigue, disappointed residents. Subsequent altercations between DMK officials and the questioning youth highlight the disconnect between politicians and constituents.

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