The electoral contest in the Vikravandi assembly constituency is intensifying among the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) from the NDA alliance, and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). The nomination period has closed, and vigorous campaigning by the candidates is underway for the by-election.
On 16 June 2024, the AIADMK declared its boycott of the Vikravandi Assembly bypoll, citing concerns about potential unfair conduct. AIADMK’s general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed apprehensions that the ruling DMK and its ministers might misuse state resources and engage in irregularities, raising speculation about where their supporters might now align.
In the recent Villupuram Lok Sabha constituency elections, DMK’s ally, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), secured 72,000 votes in Vikravandi. ADMK obtained 65,000 votes, while NTK received 8,000 votes. All three contenders—DMK, PMK, and NTK—have fielded candidates from the Vanniyar community, which constitutes the majority in the constituency. This situation could potentially fragment the Vanniyar votes. If PMK, aligned with BJP, emerges victorious, it could regain influence among the Vanniyar community and pose a challenge to AIADMK’s electoral prospects in 2026.
Hence, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is concerned that AIADMK’s share of Vanniyar votes might diminish significantly, impacting their chances in future elections.
There are reports indicating that AIADMK is planning to maneuver PMK into third place while covertly supporting Seeman. This strategy reportedly stems from Seeman’s support of AIADMK during his recent fast in Chennai.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சி கள்ளச்சாராய மரணங்கள் குறித்து தமிழ்நாடு சட்டப்பேரவையில் விவாதிக்க வேண்டுமென்ற அதிமுகவின் சனநாயக கோரிக்கையை நிராகரித்து, மாண்புமிகு எதிர்கட்சித்தலைவர் ஐயா எடப்பாடி பழனிச்சாமி உள்ளிட்ட அதிமுக சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்கள் அனைவரையும் சட்டப்பேரவை நடவடிக்கைகளில் பங்குபெற…
— செந்தமிழன் சீமான் (@Seeman4TN) June 27, 2024
Adding complexity to the situation, Naam Tamilar Party Treasurer R Ravanan endorsed Palaniswami during his Chennai fast, purportedly under Seeman’s direction. Palaniswami acknowledged this support without public rebuttal. In response to these developments, it is alleged that NTK and AIADMK volunteers are reportedly working closely together in campaign efforts across various locations in the Vikravandi constituency.
(With Inputs From Dinamalar)
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