Vijay Pitches ‘Corruption-Free’ Governance as Stalin, Palaniswami Slam TVK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK founder C Joseph Vijay on Sunday appealed to voters in Madurantakam and Dharapuram to support his government, as campaigning for the October 6 bypolls ended amid sharp attacks from the opposition DMK and AIADMK.

Vijay, thanking people for their support in the recent Assembly elections, said the government was run by the people and required their continued backing to become stronger.

He said the reception received by TVK during the bypoll campaign in Chengalpattu, Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts would remain etched in his heart.

Vijay assured voters that his party would not compromise on public welfare and would continue to maintain an “honest, corruption-free administration” backed by a conscientious democracy.

However, DMK president M K Stalin attacked the ruling party, alleging that cash was being distributed to voters through tiffin carriers. He also claimed that even parties supporting the government from outside had accused the ruling party of attempting to buy votes across entire streets.

Stalin said TVK's claim of being a “pure force” had lost credibility within four months of assuming office.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that TVK had used fraudulent tactics during the Assembly elections and was now running a minority government with the support of other parties.

He accused the ruling party of resorting to unethical methods and making promises to lure voters out of fear of defeat. Palaniswami claimed the public response to AIADMK candidates showed that their victory was assured.

The bypolls were necessitated after AIADMK MLAs K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Satyabama resigned from Madurantakam and Dharapuram respectively and joined Vijay-led TVK.

Polling will be held on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9.