Tamil Nadu polls: EPS lauds voters for defying heat, urges cadres to stay alert

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday thanked voters for exercising their democratic duty by casting votes in Assembly election despite the scorching sun. Palaniswami expressed gratitude to functionaries, cadres and volunteers of AIADMK and its allies for their tireless work. He appealed to them to remain vigilant until counting of votes is completed to guarantee the alliance's victory.

He said the state witnessed unprecedented voting during the April 23 poll as the electorate, weathering sweltering heat, came in large numbers to the booths from 7am onwards. Their overwhelming response will result in formation of a good govt in the state, Palaniswami said in a statement.



He appreciated the tireless efforts of cadres and functionaries of AIADMK and its allies. He extended "heartfelt gratitude" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of other alliance parties for their roadshows and campaigns for candidates of AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.

He said he had witnessed strong "hatred among people against the incompetent DMK govt" during election campaigns. Functionaries and cadres of AIADMK-led front should remain vigilant until counting of votes, he said.

He asked designated booth-level agents to ensure that the counted votes match numbers on Form 17C. They should check the date and timing on EVMs when it is unsealed for counting. They should flag any discrepancies in counting immediately and submit it in writing to election officials and obtain acknowledgements for the same. Only after the issue is addressed should they proceed to the next round of counting, he said.

In a separate statement, the AIADMK general secretary condemned DMK functionaries for reportedly ramming a car into the two-wheeler of AIADMK worker Marimuthu in Pollachi, causing him injuries.

Palaniswami claimed that the ruling party members are resorting to violence out of "anger and anxiety" fueled by the fear of an electoral defeat.

In a similar incident in Krishnagiri district, DMK party men allegedly assaulted another AIADMK functionary, further escalating tensions during the elections.
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