AIADMK and DMK Leaders Nearly Share Flight in Tense Tamil Nadu Campaign
The already charged election campaign in Tamil Nadu took an unexpected turn on Saturday when rivals AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin almost ended up on the same commercial flight to Trichy. This development caused significant unease among police officials handling traffic and security, as cadres from both political parties had begun assembling at the Chennai airport in anticipation of their leaders' arrivals.
While EPS boarded the scheduled flight as planned, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was alerted about his opponent's travel plans, quietly changed his arrangements at the last minute. He opted to fly on a chartered aircraft instead, a move that highlighted the escalating tensions between the two camps.
Heated Exchanges Escalate to Personal Level
Over the past few days, the two leaders have been trading sharp barbs on the campaign trail, with their political fight intensifying to a personal level. On Friday, while campaigning at R K Nagar, Udhayanidhi displayed a photograph of EPS touching the feet of V K Sasikala, a former AIADMK leader. He claimed he was showing it due to "public demand" but added he would avoid repeating it as it "raises EPS's blood pressure." In response, EPS has defended the gesture, stating he has no regrets about it.
Security Concerns Prompt Last-Minute Change
Sources close to Udhayanidhi revealed that his visit to Trichy had been planned well in advance, with tickets booked as part of a broader tour covering six constituencies, including Thanjavur, Perambalur, and Ariyalur. It was only on Saturday morning that his team learned EPS was booked on the same flight. DMK sources explained that the plan was altered to prevent any unwanted confrontation during the flight and to avoid untoward incidents at Trichy airport, where supporters from both sides were expected to gather.
The incident underscores the heightened security challenges and political volatility in Tamil Nadu as the election campaign reaches its peak. Authorities are on high alert to manage large gatherings and potential clashes between party workers, emphasizing the need for careful coordination to ensure public safety during this critical period.
