Synopsis
The DMK candidate for the Erode East bye-election, V.C. Chandhirakumar, believes that a decisive win will pave the way for the party's success in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, emphasizing direct voter engagement and the effectiveness of welfare schemes.Key Takeaways
- V.C. Chandhirakumar emphasizes a landslide victory as a precursor to future success.
- The bye-election was necessitated by the passing of E.V.K.S. Elangovan.
- Direct engagement with voters involved walking 140 km across 33 wards.
- The DMK is contesting independently, confident of victory.
- Minister S. Muthusamy predicts a victory margin of 1.2 lakh votes.
Chennai, Feb 5 (NationPress) The DMK’s propaganda committee state joint convenor and party candidate for the Erode East bye-election, V.C. Chandhirakumar, has asserted that the ruling party’s anticipated landslide victory will act as a precursor to its significant triumph in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
After voting alongside his family at a polling station on Mosuvanna Street in Erode, Chandhirakumar addressed the media, highlighting the natural evolution of the bye-election.
He explained that the bypoll was necessitated due to the demise of Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan and was not an artificially forced election.
Chandhirakumar refuted any allegations of voter discontent surrounding the bypoll, contrasting this with the North Indian states, where he claimed the BJP “coerces MLAs to resign to instigate elections.”
Reflecting on his campaign efforts, he mentioned that he and Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Housing and Urban Development, S. Muthusamy, traversed 140 km across 33 wards within Erode Corporation, engaging directly with the electorate.
“There is no discontent among the voters regarding the government’s performance. While they have expressed some requests, we are dedicated to addressing these,” he assured.
He acknowledged that generally, governments encounter public dissatisfaction after four years in power; however, he claimed that the DMK has not faced such sentiments in Erode East.
He attributed this to the effectiveness of the party’s welfare schemes, which have successfully reached the populace.
With the AIADMK and BJP opting out of the competition, the Erode East bye-election has evolved into a direct contest between the DMK’s V.C. Chandhirakumar and NTK’s M.K. Seethalakshmi, the leader of the party’s women’s wing.
For the first time, the DMK is contesting this seat independently, instead of relying on its ally, the Congress, and the ruling party is optimistic about securing a decisive win.
Tamil Nadu’s Urban Development Minister S. Muthusamy spearheaded the party’s campaign, backed by local MP Prakash.
Speaking to journalists, Muthusamy forecasted a victory margin of 1.2 lakh votes for the DMK.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged party leaders to secure a resounding victory, while Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin played a pivotal role in rallying support for Chandhirakumar.
This election is crucial for the DMK government, which has faced scrutiny over the Anna University sexual assault case. Eager to reaffirm public confidence, the DMK is treating this bye-election with the utmost importance, despite the absence of the AIADMK and BJP from the contest.
