High-octane campaign ends, silence looms in western Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore/Salem: A blanket of silence descended on Coimbatore at 6pm on Tuesday with political parties wrapping up more than a month-long election campaign, leaving the streets, which till evening bustled with crowds rooting for their favorite leaders, deserted, if not for a few flex boards and party flags here and there.

The day, however, saw a whirlwind campaign, with all candidates making a final pitch to the voters, promising to deliver on their promises.



SP Velumani, AIADMK candidate in Thondamuthur constituency, concluded his campaign with a rally at Kuniyamuthur around 5.30pm. Addressing the gathering, the former minister attacked the governing party, alleging that DMK had introduced a detrimental "money culture" to the city in an attempt to influence the electoral outcome.

"The voters of Coimbatore are principled and cannot be bought with money," Velumani said and emphasized that the electorate was politically clever and fully aware of which party truly serves their interests.

Highlighting his party's track record, Velumani claimed that AIADMK had ushered in "50 years' worth of development" during its previous tenure. He promised that the party's return to the helm would see immediate implementation of flagship infrastructure schemes and social welfare projects specifically tailored for Coimbatore's growth.

Turning the focus on his rivals, Velumani accused DMK leaders, including Senthilbalaji, of attempting to deceive the public with "fake promises" while failing to deliver any significant progress over the past five years. Velumani concluded his speech by urging the people of Coimbatore to "teach DMK and allies a lesson" at the ballot box and bring the incumbent govt down to ensure a brighter future for the region.

V Senthilbalaji, DMK candidate in Coimbatore South assembly constituency, wrapped up his campaign at Sivananda Colony around 5pm. Addressing the gathering, he said Coimbatore would become a DMK fortress this assembly election. He said the Coimbatore South constituency would be transformed into a mini version of Japan by executing various developmental projects, if he was elected from the seat. "Among the 10 assembly constituencies in the district, Coimbatore South will definitely become a forerunner in terms of development and infrastructure."

Pointing out that people had requested various basic facilities, including drainage, community halls and parks, during the campaign, he said all the demands would be fulfilled.

Vanathi Srinivasan, BJP candidate in Coimbatore North, ended her campaign at 5.30pm after addressing a public gathering at Vadavalli roundabout. "With only 48 hours left for voting, DMK is trying to project itself as not being anti-Hindu. Has DMK ever spoken positively about Hindu gods or temples?" she said.

She took a dig at Kamal Haasan, who she said was in the city again seeking votes despite being rejected by the voters in Coimbatore South in the last election. "If DMK is adept at deceiving people, Kamal Haasan is acting as a supporting player in the plot."

She also accused DMK of attempting to "buy Coimbatore" using illicit funds. "They are paying Rs2,000 to Rs5,000 per vote." Vanathi also slammed V Senthilbalaji for misrepresenting Rs21,000 crore welfare claims for Coimbatore and sarcastically said that amount might have been "brought down" for distribution.

The day also saw a high-octane campaign across Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Erode districts, with candidates making their final appeal before the electorate to ensure their victories.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami was joined by PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, as he closed his whirlwind tour in Salem, projecting their alliance as a bulwark against DMK's corrupt governance.

In Salem North, though tourism minister Rajendran's campaign was overshadowed by recent raids on his associates, his cadres rallied strongly. Party cadres said the raids were politically motivated.

In Namakkal district, minister Dr M Mathivendan, who is contesting in Rasipuram (reserved) constituency, made a final attempt to woo the electorate by highlighting DMK govt's welfare schemes and push on education.

In Dharmapuri, PMK's Sowmiya Anbumani wound up the campaign by promising better healthcare infra and measures to improve women's safety, while DMK and NTK candidates sharpened their attacks on her.

In Krishnagiri, senior AIADMK leader K P Munusamy campaigned vigorously, stressing grassroots connection, while DMK candidate P Murugan highlighted urban development and education policies to woo voters.

In Erode, TVK chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan focused on agriculture and issues of famers for one last time, while minister Muthusamy made a final push to impress the voters by highlighting DMK govt's welfare and infrastructure push.
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