Erode East by-elections: NTK kicks off robust campaign following 'mike' symbol allocation
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Synopsis
The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), led by actor-turned-politician Seeman, launches a strong campaign for the Erode East Assembly bye-election on February 5, following the assignment of the 'microphone' symbol. This bypoll sees NTK as the only major opposition to the ruling DMK.
Key Takeaways
- NTK campaigns vigorously for Erode East bye-election.
- Party received the ‘mike’ symbol on January 20.
- Only 46 candidates are contesting after one disqualification.
- DMK's V.C. Chandhirakumar is the main opponent.
- Bye-election scheduled for February 5, counting on February 8.
Chennai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), spearheaded by actor-turned-politician Seeman, has initiated a vigorous campaign for the impending bye-election in Erode East Assembly, set for February 5.
This effort follows the party's recent allocation of the ‘microphone’ symbol on January 20.
NTK stands as the sole significant opposition to the ruling DMK in this bypoll.
Notably, the AIADMK, BJP, and DMDK have opted not to participate.
In remarks regarding the campaign, NTK candidate K. Seethalakshmi shared with IANS, “The assignment of the ‘mike’ symbol has invigorated our initiatives. This symbol has already resonated with the public and will enhance our campaigning efforts. Our objective is to achieve victory in this election.”
Seethalakshmi also highlighted that specialized squads and party members have been organized for door-to-door outreach throughout the constituency.
A total of 46 candidates are in the race for the Erode East bye-election.
Initially, 47 nominations were submitted, but one independent candidate, Padmavathy, faced disqualification.
This disqualification came after grievances from two other independent candidates, Azhwar and Noor Mohammed, who claimed that Padmavathy was listed in the voters’ roll of K.R. Puram in Karnataka.
According to electoral regulations, only residents of Tamil Nadu are eligible to contest in state Assembly elections.
Returning Officer N. Manish validated the disqualification after confirming the allegation with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tamil Nadu.
Among the 46 candidates, two belong to recognized political parties, while 14 are from registered political parties.
This bye-election was triggered by the demise of veteran Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, who previously secured the seat in 2023 after the sudden passing of his son, Thirumahan Everaa, from a heart attack on January 4, 2023.
In the prior bye-election, Elangovan defeated AIADMK candidate K.S. Thenarassu by a margin of 66,233 votes. This time, both the AIADMK and BJP have chosen to sit out.
The DMK is fielding V.C. Chandhirakumar, the party’s propaganda committee state joint secretary, against NTK’s K. Seethalakshmi.
Even with the lack of formidable opposition from the AIADMK and BJP, the DMK is intensifying efforts to secure a substantial victory.
Deputy Chief Minister and DMK Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin will lead the DMK’s campaign in the area.
In the last bye-election, NTK candidate Menaka Navaneethan garnered only 10,827 votes.
Nonetheless, the party is hopeful for a better performance this time, with the new symbol providing a boost to its campaign.
The bye-election is scheduled for February 5, with vote counting set for February 8.
