DMK and rival party workers clash during election campaign in Erode, eight injured

Chennai:

Eight people were injured in stone pelting during the election campaign in Tamil Nadu’s Erode East assembly constituency. The incident took place when Nama Tamilar Katchi (NTK) workers crossed the temporary election office of the ruling DMK. The police present on the spot quickly brought the situation under control.

Police said the incident took place when NTK chief coordinator Seeman and party candidate Menaka Navaneethan, along with the cadre, were on their way to Velappan Chathiram, where they were to deliver a speech.

Erode Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan said, “Police immediately intervened and ensured that the situation does not escalate further. We have deployed CRPF teams in the area.” “Four of the injured are from DMK and the other four are from NTK. We are probing,” the police officer said.

The bypoll, necessitated by the death of Congress MLA Thirumahan Evra, is a prestige battle for the ruling DMK, which sees the polls as a referendum on its 21-month-old government. While its ally, the Congress, is fielding veteran party leader EVKS Elangovan, father of the late MLA, the DMK is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his victory.

The AIADMK, which enjoys huge support, is also looking to register a win. A victory would also consolidate the leadership of party boss Edappadi Palanisamy, who was recently promoted as the interim general secretary of the party after establishing the region as his stronghold besides expelling his rival O Panneerselvam.

Amid allegations of money-for-vote, both camps accuse each other of bribing voters.