DMK Candidate Senthilbalaji Kicks Off Election Campaign in Coimbatore with Ambitious Goals
Former minister and DMK candidate for the Coimbatore South assembly constituency, V Senthilbalaji, officially commenced his election campaign on Tuesday. He expressed strong optimism that his party-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) would successfully capture all ten assembly seats in Coimbatore from the AIADMK-led NDA alliance in the upcoming elections.
Confidence in Voter Support and Government Achievements
After engaging with members of the Jain community at the Town Hall in Coimbatore, Senthilbalaji addressed the media. "Chief Minister M K Stalin has placed his trust in me by assigning me to Coimbatore," he stated. "Our strategy involves educating voters about the numerous welfare schemes implemented by the state government. The residents of Coimbatore South have faith in the DMK administration and are poised to support us once again."
Responding to Rival Claims and Setting Clear Targets
When questioned about AIADMK candidate Amman K Arjunan's assertion of winning by a margin exceeding 50,000 votes, Senthilbalaji responded assertively. He clarified that the DMK is also operating with a definitive objective. He pledged to campaign vigorously across all ten assembly constituencies within Coimbatore, ensuring comprehensive outreach.
Reflecting on the 2021 assembly election results, Senthilbalaji pointed out that while the AIADMK secured several constituencies by narrow margins, they managed a significant 40,000-vote lead in Thondamuthur. "The DMK is committed to overturning these outcomes and achieving victory across the board," he emphasized.
Addressing Constituency Selection and Highlighting Development Projects
Regarding criticism over his decision to contest from Coimbatore instead of Karur, Senthilbalaji defended his choice, stating that both constituencies hold equal importance to him personally and politically.
He took the opportunity to underscore the DMK government's substantial contributions to Coimbatore's development, listing key projects initiated under their leadership:
- Establishment of a specialized jewellery park for goldsmiths
- Construction of the GD Naidu flyover to ease traffic congestion
- Allocation of land for the expansion of Coimbatore Airport
- Development of the Periyar Arivulagam Library
Under Chief Minister Stalin's guidance, infrastructure works valued at approximately 8,200 crore rupees have been executed over the past five years. These initiatives encompass:
- Road improvements and construction
- Stormwater drainage systems
- Streetlight installations
- Underground drainage networks
Specifically, around 700 crore rupees were allocated for repairing damaged roads and laying new roads throughout the district, demonstrating a focused effort on enhancing local infrastructure.
