Campaigning in delta districts, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front has sought to focus its attention on the perceived failure of the State government to carry out developmental works at the local level.
Although difficulties caused to the public due to demonetisation, implementation of goods and services tax and fluctuation in the cost of petrol, diesel and liquified petroleum gas are highlighted, front leaders take special care to mention the shortcomings in execution of developmental works at the local level with the intention of striking a chord with voters.
The parties charge the State government with deliberately ignoring developmental works in constituencies represented by members of the opposition.
Mannargudi MLA T.R.B. Raja, for instance, alleges that not a single development work has been taken up by the present government in his Assembly segment, which falls under Thanjavur Parliamentary constituency, for the past eight years.
All major projects such as setting up of hospital, higher educational institutions and other public facilities have been implemented in and around Mannargudi only during the DMK regime and his constituency has been neglected by the AIADMK government, he says.
The opposition leaders also do not miss the opportunity to take on the BJP, citing its “anti-Tamil” attitude and the “negative impact” of the schemes implemented by the party at the Centre.
The leaders are campaigning in Tiruvarur where the bypoll for the Assembly seat is being held along with Parliamentary elections on April 18.
The death of former Chief Minister and sitting MLA M. Karunanidhi necessitated the by-elections to the seat.
