In a bid to secure victory in the upcoming elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies have allegedly resorted to fear-mongering tactics and manipulative strategies, according to critics. Senior DMK leaders, including MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Durai Murugan, E V Velu, Da.Mo Anbarasan, and A Raja, have been accused of engaging in divisive rhetoric and spreading false information to sway rural communities’ votes.
Critics claim that the DMK is aware of an impending defeat at the polls and is now resorting to desperate measures to secure votes. They accuse the party of employing traditional tactics such as making false promises, intimidating voters and opposition candidates, and misusing police and government employees.
Furthermore, allegations have surfaced regarding the misuse of funds and resources by DMK candidates. Despite close monitoring by enforcement agencies like the Income Tax Department (IT) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), it is alleged that money and gifts are being distributed covertly in various constituencies, concealed in items like vegetable and provision bags.
In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin’s son-in-law, Sabareesan, has reportedly been overseeing cash and gift distribution and campaign details. It is claimed that DMK’s primary objective in the region is to defeat BJP candidate Annamalai, by any means necessary.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the DMK is engaging in secret talks with rival parties to transfer votes in exchange for financial incentives, similar to strategies employed in West Bengal and Kerala. Meanwhile, in Coimbatore, divisive talks have allegedly been stirred up by the May 17 Movement’s ‘Thirumurugan’ Daniel Gandhi, who has been accused of promoting a north-south divide.
Supporters of Gandhi are believed to have ties to banned organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI) and fringe anti-national fundamentalist groups. Critics warn that such tactics could further polarise communities and undermine the democratic process.
In a surprising twist in Coimbatore’s political landscape, the March 17 movement, spearheaded by Thirumurugan Gandhi, has shifted its support to independent candidate Dinesh, who is contesting for the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. This move comes after Gandhi’s recent endorsement of Thirumavalavan, the chief of the VCK party within the DMK alliance, on April 7, 2024. However, on April 9, 2024, Gandhi was observed rallying support for Dinesh in the Ondiputhur area.
This sudden change has sparked speculation about whether candidates in and around Coimbatore are proxies for individuals aligned with the ruling DMK government. Tensions escalated when BJP cadres confronted Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to create communal discord to undermine the chances of rival candidate Annamalai.
கோவையில் தேர்தல் நேரத்தில் பதட்டமான சூழலை உருவாக்க களமிறக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் திருவோடு காந்தி.
சட்டம் ஒழுங்கை காக்கும் காவல் துறையினரை பார்த்து "நீ யாருக்கு வேலை பாக்குற, அண்ணாமலை உனக்கு சம்பளம் தர்ரானா” என்று ஒருமையில் பேசும் இவர் மீது தமிழக காவல்துறை என்ன நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க… pic.twitter.com/injzeRGJor
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) April 9, 2024
Gandhi’s bold questioning, including allegations about who pays the salaries of police personnel, has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about his alignment with the ruling DMK party.
Additionally, tactics involving the spreading of false information and unfounded allegations against the BJP have come to light. Karti Chidambaram, the Congress candidate for Sivaganga’s parliamentary seat, faced backlash for his remarks insinuating that the BJP would ban the slaughter of goats and roosters if it came to power. Despite efforts to clarify and debunk such claims, misconceptions persist among the public.
#JUSTIN மீண்டும் பாஜக ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தால் கிராமப்புற கோவில்களில் ஆடு, சேவல் பலியிட தடை விதிப்பார்கள் – கார்த்தி சிதம்பரம்#KartiChidambaram #Congress #BJP #Sivagangai #LokSabhaElections2024 #News18TamilNadu | https://t.co/3v5L32pe7b pic.twitter.com/kbhpLrHDKl
— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) April 8, 2024
Responding to the allegations, the Tamil Nadu BJP president emphasised the party’s commitment to upholding Sanatana Dharma and indicated that the slaughter of goats and roosters would be prohibited under a BJP-led government.
ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தா பாத்துக்கலாம்😅
உன் வாய்க்கு பூட்டு போட முதலில் சட்டம் கொண்டு வர வேண்டும்…😷#சனாதனத்தைஒழிப்போம் pic.twitter.com/3x5CmaTTd8— Kovai Nithya (@KovaiNithya) September 11, 2023
In a series of controversial statements, Kathir Anand, the DMK candidate for the Vellore constituency, has sparked outrage by violating electoral conduct rules and making incendiary remarks during his campaign. Son of senior DMK leader Durai Murugan, Anand’s comments have drawn sharp criticism for their inflammatory nature and disregard for political decorum.
மணிப்பூரில் நான் இருந்திருந்தால்,கத்தி எடுத்து அனைவரையும் வெட்டியிருப்பேன் – திமுக வேட்பாளர் கதிர் ஆனந்த்https://t.co/wupaoCz9iu | #kathiranand #DMK #Tamilnadu #Election2024 #INDIAAlliance #Manipur pic.twitter.com/wf64ce7S8R
— ABP Nadu (@abpnadu) April 8, 2024
During a speech, Anand likened the surge in gold prices to the scorching heat of the sun, warning that if the Modi government persists with its policies, the price of gold may skyrocket to an exorbitant Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, he made alarming remarks about violence, stating that if he were present in Manipur during instances of rape, he would have resorted to violent measures, a statement that has sparked widespread condemnation.
" If Modi is elected again, you can only eat Curd rice and Sambar rice, you will be banned from eating mutton, beef and chicken….." ,DMK campaign at Chennaipic.twitter.com/sAZWdwACNd
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 2, 2024
Meanwhile, another DMK leader made contentious remarks during a campaign rally in Chennai, suggesting that if Modi were to be re-elected, citizens would be limited to consuming only curd rice and sambar rice, with a ban on mutton, beef, and chicken. These statements have added fuel to the already intense political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu.
Further complicating matters, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a DMK ally, has stirred controversy by demanding a separate flag for Tamil Nadu, a move interpreted by some as having secessionist undertones. The party’s election manifesto, released in Chidambaram, has raised concerns about its intentions and priorities.
Thol Thirumavalavan, the leader of VCK, known for his polarizing rhetoric, has sparked fear among minorities by suggesting that the re-election of Modi would lead to the demolition of churches and mosques. His statements, suggesting a grand conspiracy by the BJP to oppress minorities, have been widely criticized as fear-mongering and unsubstantiated.
The electoral campaign in Tamil Nadu has taken a disturbing turn with MA Mohammed Mubarak, also known as Nellai Mubarak, making alarming statements in a video while contesting as an AIADMK candidate for the Dindigul Lok Sabha seat. In the video, Mubarak appears to issue veiled threats, suggesting that individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are being monitored and targeted.
He boasts of possessing similar weapons and the ability to track down RSS members, regardless of their location. Furthermore, Mubarak implies collaboration between the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Popular Front of India (PFI) in determining the fate of certain individuals. These remarks underscore the increasingly tense and contentious nature of political campaigning in the region, raising concerns about the potential for violence and intimidation tactics during the electoral process.
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