Campaigning for Saturday’s by-elections to Vandavasi and Tiruchendur Assembly constituencies ended on Thursday amid allegations of selective raids by the police, seizure of cash and complaints of free distribution of money and material.
Return of AIADMK
The return of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to the electoral fray after its boycott of the by-elections in August, has enlivened the contest.
Though there are 25 candidates in Tiruchendur and 14 in Vandavasi, the contest is, for all practical purposes, among the candidates of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, AIADMK and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK).
The defection of former AIADMK minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan to the DMK and his resignation of the MLA post necessitated the by-election in Tiruchendur. The death of ruling party MLA S.P. Jayaraman in November resulted in the by-poll in Vandavasi.
The DMK-led combine called upon voters to renew their mandate on the strength of the government’s numerous welfare schemes while the AIADMK and the DMDK targeted the ruling party on a host of issues, including the Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Bill, drinking water shortage and price rise.
DMK president and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi chose not to campaign in view of his health.
Intensive campaign
Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa and DMDK founder president Vijayakant made their presence felt in the two constituencies by their intensive campaign. The last one week witnessed high-voltage electioneering as the three leaders canvassed for votes on the same day in both constituencies.
Mr. Karunanidhi, in a statement last week, said the DMK’s success in the by-elections would be a victory for its feeling for the Tamil race and ideological commitment.
Ms. Jayalalithaa chose to focus on the Marine Fisheries Bill and the retrieval of TamilNad Mercantile Bank in Tiruchendur and lack of development in Vandavasi.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that Mr. Karunanidhi was still working hard, despite advanced age, whereas the AIADMK leader was more preoccupied with taking rest at hill stations such as Kodanadu.
Pet themes
Mr. Vijayakant highlighted his pet themes of corruption and unemployment.
In Vandavasi, he declared that he would tie-up with other parties to ensure that Mr. Karunanidhi did not retain power in 2011.
