The massive margins with which the AIADMK, led by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, won 37 of the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu has come as a strong counter to allegations of cash distribution as the basis for victory.
On Friday, DMDK founder Vijayakant said in a statement that the ruling party faced the elections with muscle and money power with reports indicating that cash was distributed in the last two days before polling.
But political analysts feel that the substantial lead the AIADMK achieved in every constituency it won pointed to a popular upsurge in its favour. Such a lead, they say, cannot be achieved by inducements alone, if at all they were distributed.
Data released by the Election Commission reveal that the margin of victory of the AIADMK candidates over their nearest rival in 11 of the 37 constituencies was higher than 2 lakh votes.
In two seats, they posted a phenomenal margin of more than 3 lakh, while in 21 others the difference was higher than one lakh of votes. Quite significantly, the party polled more than 40 per cent of the registered votes in 33 of the 37 constituencies it won.
The percentage crossed 50 in six. Also, the performance was not restricted to any particular region. In total, the AIADMK, contesting alone, managed 44.3 per cent votes and established a lead of 20.7 percentage points over its archrival DMK.
Meanwhile, the newly elected AIADMK MPs are expected to meet Ms. Jayalalithaa on Sunday morning.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
Please Email the Editor