Elections – Udhayanidhi Stalin Campaigns Strongly in Viralimalai for DMK Candidate
Elections – Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin intensified election campaigning on Sunday, addressing voters in the Viralimalai Assembly constituency of Pudukkottai district. Speaking in support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate K.K. Chellapandian, he expressed confidence that the party would secure a decisive mandate in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.
Strong Public Response Boosts Party Confidence
Udhayanidhi Stalin began his address by acknowledging the enthusiastic response from the public. He said the warm welcome he received in Viralimalai reflected a broader trend across the state. According to him, his recent campaign tour covering multiple constituencies has shown consistent support for the DMK, strengthening the party’s expectations of returning to power.
He noted that the party had performed well in Pudukkottai district during the previous election, winning five out of six seats. Referring to this record, he urged voters to ensure a complete victory this time by helping the DMK secure the remaining seat in Viralimalai.
Focus on Candidate and Strategic Importance
Describing Viralimalai as a key constituency, Udhayanidhi stressed that the party had nominated a capable candidate in K.K. Chellapandian. He appealed to voters to elect him with a strong margin under the Rising Sun symbol, stating that a win here would carry both political and symbolic significance.
He also mentioned that despite contesting from the Chepauk-Triplicane constituency, he had prioritized campaigning in other regions, including Viralimalai, due to their strategic importance in the overall election outcome.
Criticism of Opposition and Alliances
During his speech, Udhayanidhi targeted opposition leaders, particularly C. Vijayabaskar, accusing him of conducting a superficial campaign. He alleged that such efforts lacked sincerity and suggested that voters would not see consistent engagement from opposition candidates after the elections.
He further criticized the alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP, claiming that it was formed under pressure from central investigative agencies. These remarks were part of a broader attack on opposition unity and its motivations.
Development Projects Highlighted
Udhayanidhi Stalin outlined several development initiatives undertaken in the Viralimalai constituency during the DMK’s tenure. He cited road improvement projects valued at ₹25 crore, enhancements in drinking water supply, sewage management systems, construction of school buildings, and upgrades in healthcare infrastructure.
He assured voters that similar and expanded development efforts would continue if the DMK is re-elected, emphasizing the party’s focus on long-term infrastructure and public services.
Welfare Schemes and Social Support Programs
The campaign speech also highlighted key welfare initiatives introduced by the DMK government. These included free bus travel for women, the Chief Minister’s breakfast scheme benefiting school children, financial support for students, and distribution of laptops to college students.
He pointed out that the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme has provided monthly financial assistance to more than 31 lakh women across the state, presenting it as a major step toward economic empowerment.
Promises for Future Governance
Looking ahead, Udhayanidhi outlined the party’s plans under a proposed “Dravidian Model 2.0” governance framework. He said the government would increase monthly financial assistance for women to ₹2,000, expand educational incentives, and double pensions for senior citizens.
Additional commitments included distributing 35 lakh laptops over the next five years and implementing housing schemes for those without permanent homes. These proposals, he said, aim to strengthen social welfare and improve living standards.
Concerns Over Central Policies
Udhayanidhi also raised concerns about the role of the Union government, stating that Tamil Nadu had not received adequate financial support or major project allocations in the Union Budget. He criticized the three-language policy, arguing that it could lead to the imposition of Hindi, which he said the state has historically opposed.
He also took aim at AIADMK leadership, alleging that it lacked independence and urging voters to reject the alliance in the upcoming polls.
Call for Grassroots Mobilisation
Concluding his address, Udhayanidhi Stalin called on party workers and supporters to intensify their efforts in the final phase of campaigning. He encouraged them to reach out directly to voters over the next 18 days to ensure maximum participation and support for the DMK candidate.
He ended by thanking the public for their continued support and appealed to them to vote for the Rising Sun symbol in the upcoming election.