Former Tamil Nadu minister S P Velumani on Thursday asserted that the AIADMK-led alliance would secure 210 seats in the upcoming state assembly elections, paving the way for party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to return as chief minister.
Velumani casts vote in Coimbatore
Velumani, who is contesting from the Thondamuthur constituency on an AIADMK ticket, cast his vote along with his family at Sugunapuram Government School early in the morning. Speaking to reporters after voting, he expressed confidence that the alliance would achieve a sweeping victory across Tamil Nadu.
Claim of sweeping win in western districts
He claimed that the AIADMK alliance would win all 10 constituencies in Coimbatore district, as well as Avinashi. Velumani also predicted victories in the Nilgiris and Tirupur districts. He attributed the expected win to the "good governance" of EPS, which he said had motivated voters to turn out enthusiastically.
Allegations of polling irregularities
Velumani accused the local administration and police of improper conduct during the polling process. He alleged that election officials in Coimbatore had not worked transparently and claimed that tokens were distributed to voters in Kavundampalayam on Thursday morning. Referring to an incident involving AIADMK candidate Amman Arjunan in Coimbatore South, Velumani alleged that the candidate had been "seriously harassed and obstructed." He said he would consult Arjunan on the next course of action, including possible protests.
Call for peaceful polling
Velumani noted that Coimbatore is traditionally known as a peaceful district but said attempts were being made to disturb the atmosphere. He warned that neither the people nor the AIADMK would allow such disruptions to succeed.
