Udhayanidhi Stalin Embarks on Campaign Trail, Vows Chennai Will Stay DMK Stronghold
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin officially launched his electoral campaign on Thursday, filing his nomination to contest from the Chepauk-Triplicane constituency. He declared total assets worth 20.64 crore rupees, marking the start of a spirited bid for re-election.
Open Auto Rickshaw Rally Kicks Off Campaign
Udhayanidhi commenced his campaign in a distinctive style, traveling through the streets in an open autorickshaw. He was accompanied by Chennai Central MP Dayanidhi Maran, with both leaders greeting supporters along the route. The journey was met with enthusiastic cheers from party members, who showered flowers, presented garlands, and adorned him with shawls, creating a festive atmosphere.
With the DMK's iconic campaign song playing in the background, Udhayanidhi navigated through two wards, appealing to voters with folded hands. This marks his second consecutive attempt to represent Chepauk-Triplicane, following his previous victory in 2021.
Confident Declaration of DMK Dominance
Speaking to reporters after the campaign, Udhayanidhi made a bold statement about Chennai's political landscape. He asserted that Chennai has always been a DMK fort and will remain so in the future, emphasizing that no opposition could breach this stronghold.
He highlighted the achievements of the DMK government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, citing initiatives like the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam and significant infrastructure upgrades that have transformed the city. "Our chief minister and our government have done a lot for Chennai," Udhayanidhi remarked, underscoring the party's commitment to development.
Predicting a Higher Victory Margin
When asked about his expectations for the election outcome, Udhayanidhi expressed optimism for a larger victory margin. In the 2021 elections, he secured a win with 69,000 votes. Based on the overwhelming reception during his campaign launch, he believes this margin will increase substantially. "Seeing the reception I got today, I think I will win with a much higher vote margin," he confidently stated.
The campaign event not only showcased Udhayanidhi's popularity but also reinforced the DMK's strong grassroots support in Chennai, setting the stage for a highly anticipated electoral battle.
