Campaigns Conclude Across Tamil Nadu as Poll Silence Begins
A profound silence enveloped the city of Coimbatore at 6 PM on Tuesday, marking the official end of a vigorous month-long election campaign. The once-bustling streets, previously alive with enthusiastic crowds cheering for their preferred leaders, now lay deserted, save for scattered flex boards and party flags fluttering in the evening breeze. This transition followed a day of intense, whirlwind campaigning where candidates across multiple constituencies delivered their final appeals to the electorate, each vowing to fulfill their commitments if elected.
Coimbatore's Political Showdown: Last-Minute Rallies and Accusations
In the Thondamuthur constituency, AIADMK candidate SP Velumani wrapped up his campaign with a rally at Kuniyamuthur around 5:30 PM. The former minister launched a sharp critique against the ruling DMK, alleging that the party had introduced a harmful "money culture" in Coimbatore to sway the election results. "The voters of Coimbatore are principled and cannot be bought with money," Velumani declared, emphasizing that the electorate is politically astute and fully aware of which party genuinely serves their interests. He highlighted AIADMK's past achievements, claiming the party had delivered "50 years' worth of development" during its previous tenure and promised immediate implementation of flagship infrastructure and social welfare projects tailored for Coimbatore's growth upon their return to power.
Velumani also targeted his rivals, accusing DMK leaders, including V Senthilbalaji, of misleading the public with "fake promises" while failing to achieve significant progress over the past five years. He concluded by urging Coimbatore's residents to "teach DMK and allies a lesson" at the ballot box to ensure a brighter future for the region.
DMK and BJP Counter with Their Own Visions and Allegations
Meanwhile, DMK candidate V Senthilbalaji concluded his campaign at Sivananda Colony around 5 PM, asserting that Coimbatore would become a DMK fortress in this assembly election. He pledged to transform the Coimbatore South constituency into a "mini version of Japan" through various developmental projects if elected. "Among the 10 assembly constituencies in the district, Coimbatore South will definitely become a forerunner in terms of development and infrastructure," Senthilbalaji stated. He noted that during the campaign, residents had requested basic facilities like drainage systems, community halls, and parks, and he promised to fulfill all these demands.
In Coimbatore North, BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan ended her campaign at 5:30 PM after addressing a public gathering at Vadavalli roundabout. She questioned DMK's stance on Hindu issues, asking, "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?" Srinivasan also criticized actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who was campaigning in the city again despite being rejected by voters in Coimbatore South in the previous election. "If DMK is adept at deceiving people, Kamal Haasan is acting as a supporting player in the plot," she remarked.
Additionally, Srinivasan accused DMK of attempting to "buy Coimbatore" using illicit funds, alleging payments of Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per vote. She sarcastically commented on V Senthilbalaji's claims of Rs 21,000 crore in welfare for Coimbatore, suggesting the amount might have been "brought down" for distribution.
High-Octane Campaigns Extend to Other Districts
The final day of campaigning also witnessed energetic efforts across Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Erode districts, with candidates making last-ditch appeals to secure voter support. In Salem, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, joined by PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, closed his whirlwind tour by projecting their alliance as a strong defense against DMK's alleged corrupt governance.
In Salem North, tourism minister Rajendran's campaign faced challenges due to recent raids on his associates, though his cadres rallied strongly, claiming the raids were politically motivated. In Namakkal district, minister Dr M Mathivendan, contesting in the Rasipuram (reserved) constituency, made a final push by highlighting the DMK government's welfare schemes and educational initiatives.
In Dharmapuri, PMK's Sowmiya Anbumani concluded her campaign with promises of better healthcare infrastructure and enhanced women's safety measures, while DMK and NTK candidates intensified their attacks against her. In Krishnagiri, senior AIADMK leader K P Munusamy campaigned vigorously, stressing grassroots connections, while DMK candidate P Murugan focused on urban development and education policies to attract voters. In Erode, TVK chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan emphasized agricultural issues and farmer concerns one last time, while minister Muthusamy highlighted the DMK government's welfare and infrastructure efforts in a final appeal to the electorate.
As the campaign period officially ended, the focus now shifts to the polling booths, where voters will decide the fate of these candidates and their promises in the upcoming elections.
