Chennai, Apr 13:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday claimed growing public anger against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), alleging that its leaders were facing resistance during campaign visits across constituencies.
Addressing reporters at Kamalalayam, BJP state chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said voters were increasingly confronting DMK functionaries. He alleged that sitting MLAs and ministers were facing public backlash during campaign outreach.
Citing instances from multiple constituencies, he claimed that in Papanasam, voters stopped the campaign vehicle of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and staged protests. Similar incidents were reported in over 25 constituencies, including Kunnam, Tiruchendur and Aravakurichi, he alleged, adding that some voters were boycotting DMK candidates.
Targeting the proposed ₹8,000 coupon scheme, Thirupathy termed it a “fraud” aimed at misleading voters. He alleged that fake coupons were already being printed and distributed in certain constituencies and claimed that the scheme could lead to large-scale diversion of funds, benefiting businesses linked to party functionaries.
He also raised concerns over law and order, questioning Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on rising crime. Referring to an increase in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) cases and the spread of liquor and drugs, he alleged a deterioration in governance and police inaction.