The DMK appeared to have made a mistake by clinging to their old belief that simply relying on their party symbol would secure votes, even without actively engaging in fieldwork. However, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu has shifted significantly, with the electorate now favoring candidates and parties that offer tangible promises of development. This shift is evident across all constituencies and is truly remarkable to witness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election in 2024.
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-election 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 literally scoot, realizing the challenge they face in convincing constituents amidst their unresolved commitments.
This time, it was incumbent DMK MP Kathir Anand who encountered significant criticism when he accompanied DMK Anicut MLA AP Nanda Kumar, on stage. Together, they were highlighting DMK’s accomplishments and soliciting support for re-election in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Kandaneri village within the Vellore constituency. Suddenly, an angered resident posed tough questions to the DMK MP who was canvassing for votes.
A disgruntled constituent loudly challenged MP Kathir Anand, questioning, “Sir stop, sir stop, what promise did you make five years ago, and then where did you go?”, The MLA responded disrespectfully and in a condescending manner. Meanwhile, another observer, standing on a terrace, supported the disgruntled constituent, cautioning the MLA against using a disrespectful tone. In response, the MLA invited the observer to come down and confront the situation directly. As is customary, given the unfavorable circumstances, both the DMK MP and MLA fled the scene.
Previously during a rally in Vellore, Kathir Anand made remarks about women’s appearance, implying that their glowing faces were due to the use of fairness cream and powder. He also questioned if they had already received ₹1,000, possibly alluding to the state’s financial assistance scheme for homemakers. Anand’s comments have stirred controversy and received widespread criticism. Women across the state expressed feeling insulted by his derogatory remarks, stating that many hadn’t even received the promised money.
கதிர் ஆனந்த் வெற்றி உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டது. 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/74k7wKGwoI
— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) March 29, 2024
This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK. In the past week, several such incidents occurred in Chennai:
- South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence.
- Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
- North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
- DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people.
- DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades.
- Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
- Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan campaigned for Congress candidate C Robert Bruce in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency, local residents in Mukkudal town questioned the minister on Mahalir Urimi and water supply shortages, prompting his hasty retreat in his car.
- P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karthi Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.
- Madurantakam campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin faced criticism from women voters over shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, which challenged DMK’s commitments. He deflected responsibilities onto the former government, sidestepping direct commitments to shut down all TASMAC shops.
- Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru, son of Minister KN Nehru, faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.
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