Chennai: Largely peaceful polling in Tamil Nadu on Thursday was marred by sporadic clashes between cadres of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in several parts of the state. The incidents, though isolated, underscored the underlying tensions during the electoral process.
Harbour Constituency Clash
In the Harbour constituency, tension flared when supporters of HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu and TVK candidate 'Sinora' P S Ashok clashed near a polling booth on Angappa Naicken Street. According to police, the trouble began in the evening when both leaders were present in the area. A verbal exchange between them soon escalated into a confrontation between their supporters. Police intervened and dispersed the crowd without further escalation.
Chepauk-Triplicane Road Roko
In the Chepauk-Triplicane constituency, TVK cadres organised a road roko, alleging they were attacked by DMK workers near Ice House. During talks with police, TVK cadres accused a DMK councillor of assault and demanded immediate action. The protest was withdrawn after police assured they would initiate an inquiry into the matter.
Saidapet Clash Leaves Three Injured
In Saidapet, three people—including two TVK cadres and a DMK councillor, Sridhar—were injured in a clash near the Aranganathan subway. The incident occurred when health minister Ma Subramanian visited a polling booth. An argument broke out after Sridhar asked TVK cadres to vacate the area, leading to a physical altercation. Police intervened and brought the situation under control.
Royapettah and Vaniyambadi Incidents
A separate clash in Royapettah involving DMK, TVK, and AIADMK cadres left a TVK functionary injured. Police said the incident took place on VM Street when a dispute arose over seating arrangements. The injured TVK functionary, identified as Rathi, later sat in a protest, demanding action against DMK members. A complaint was filed, and an inquiry is underway. In Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur district, a clash broke out following allegations by TVK that DMK cadres attempted to cast votes on behalf of others.
Coimbatore: DMK vs BJP
In Coimbatore, DMK and BJP cadres clashed near a polling station in Gandhimanagar. The confrontation began when DMK members stopped BJP district president Ramesh Kumar, who was visiting polling booths in an Election Commission of India (ECI)-authorised vehicle. An argument ensued after questions were raised about his entry into a restricted zone and police presence in the area, escalating tensions at the site.
Trichy District Protests
In Trichy district, residents of Vellaiyakkonpatti near Manapparai briefly halted polling and blocked a road with logs, protesting an alleged police assault on DMK workers. The situation was defused after intervention by officers and Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad. Another protest erupted in Trichy after a trainee Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) allegedly damaged tables and chairs used by party workers of DMK, AIADMK, and TVK campaigning within the 100-metre limit from a polling booth. Party workers objected before senior officers stepped in to pacify them.
Overall, despite these isolated incidents, the polling process continued largely peacefully across the state, with authorities maintaining vigilance to ensure law and order.
