Tamil Nadu party requests cancellation of Erode by-election
According to sources familiar with the situation, a regional political party in Tamil Nadu has asked the Election Commission to nullify the February 27 by-election for the Erode assembly constituency on the grounds that money was distributed to voters.
Accusing the DMK and AIADMK of “bribing votes,” actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has petitioned the election commission to cancel the elections, according to the people.
This occurred even as the DMK and AIADMK accused each other of engaging in improper conduct.
A DMK official said that the AIADMK “distributed cash to entice voters.”
In contrast, the opposition party accused the DMK of constructing temporary shelters and shutting up voters. “The DMK-Congress partnership is fearful today. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, interim general secretary of the AIADMK, explained that this is the reason why they are locking up votes.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, leader of the DMK and minister of sports, denied the claim as “unfounded.”
In addition, there have been few reports of violence in the lead-up to the elections.
On Wednesday, 12 individuals, six from DMK and six from Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), were hurt in a stone-throwing incident. According to the police, cases have been filed against the leaders of the two groups.
According to the sources indicated above, poll officials have received 455 complaints as of Tuesday.
HT reached out to a poll official for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
