Pudukkottai/Chennai/Khumulwng/New Delhi, April 5 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday expressed confidence that Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will return to power after the upcoming Assembly elections, asserting that there is “no doubt” about the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) victory.
Campaigning in Pudukkottai for DMK candidate Muthuraja, Udhayanidhi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu by using the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) as a “mask.” He criticised AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, calling him a “puppet” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and alleged that the Centre is trying to control the state through him.
Highlighting the DMK government’s welfare initiatives, Udhayanidhi listed schemes such as the women’s rights programme, free breakfast scheme, and financial aid for college students. He said that if re-elected, the government would increase assistance for women to ₹2,000, provide ₹8,000 appliance coupons, and raise aid for women students to ₹1,500 per month.
Rejecting allegations by the AIADMK, he denied that the DMK had discontinued the laptop scheme and accused the Centre of withholding funds and ignoring Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget. Calling the election a contest between “Delhi and Tamil Nadu,” he urged voters to back the DMK to continue the Dravidian model of governance.
Earlier in Chennai, Udhayanidhi made similar remarks, alleging that the Centre was attempting to control Tamil Nadu through the AIADMK. Launching his campaign in Aiyodhya Nagar, he travelled by auto-rickshaw to connect with voters and highlighted his work during the COVID-19 pandemic and floods. He also took a swipe at Palaniswami, challenging him to list achievements from his tenure, and criticised the Centre for allegedly rejecting metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai while approving projects in smaller cities.
Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Meanwhile, in Tripura, the BJP on Sunday unveiled its manifesto for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. Chief Minister Manik Saha said the document reflects the aspirations of tribal communities and promised a transparent administration based on 29 key commitments.
Addressing a rally, Saha asserted that the election represents an opportunity to “create history,” expressing confidence that the BJP would win all seats with strong support from indigenous communities. He highlighted welfare measures such as increased social pensions and recognition of tribal individuals with national honours, and announced plans to establish two medical colleges, a nursing institute in Khumulwng, and 21 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in tribal areas.
Saha also noted that more than 500 supporters, including former Tipra Motha candidate Amiya Dayal Noatia, had joined the BJP. He said the government has prioritised development in TTAADC areas and pledged continued focus on schemes for tribal welfare.
In Assam, the Kokrajhar Assembly constituency has emerged as a key battleground ahead of the April 9 polls, with a close contest expected between the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). The seat is considered politically significant as it often reflects the broader dynamics of the Bodoland Territorial Region.
The BPF has fielded Sewli Mohilary, while incumbent MLA Lawrence Islary of the UPPL seeks re-election. The Congress-led alliance has nominated Manik Chandra Brahma, aiming to consolidate minority and non-Bodo votes. Key electoral issues in the constituency include road connectivity, irrigation, employment, and access to clean drinking water.
Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9, with results to be declared on May 4.
588 words, 3 minutes read time.
About The Author
