Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 2 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday held a roadshow in Coimbatore and campaigned in support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and alliance candidates, urging voters to back the ruling coalition and replicate its past electoral successes.
Addressing a public meeting at the CODISSIA Grounds, Stalin appealed to voters across key constituencies, including Coimbatore North, Pollachi, Valparai, Kinathukadavu and Sulur, to support DMK and its allies in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking at the rally, Stalin said, "Unlike others who make empty promises, the government deposited Rs 5,000 into women's bank accounts and has now announced Rs 2,000 per month, which has instilled confidence among the public. This election is one of accountability, and the DMK alliance must win all 10 constituencies."
Stalin said that Coimbatore holds a special place for him. "Coimbatore is one of the districts I have visited most frequently after assuming office. When we came to power, COVID-19 was at its peak, and I visited and inspected the ESI Hospital wearing PPE kits. Since then, I have been visiting Coimbatore regularly for various government welfare programmes. I consider Coimbatore as my own city, which is why I chose it for the first phase of my campaign," he said.
Highlighting the party's candidates, Stalin said leaders who deliver on promises have been fielded in key constituencies. He specifically mentioned Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South and appealed for votes for Durai Senthamizhselvan (Coimbatore North), Thalapathy Murugesan (Sulur), Sabari Karthikeyan (Kinathukadavu), Nithyanandam (Pollachi), and Kutti alias Sudhakar (Valparai). He also sought support for Congress candidates in Singanallur and Kavundampalayam.
Stalin urged voters to ensure a sweeping victory for the DMK alliance. "We have implemented numerous welfare schemes in the past five years, and I am asking for your mandate with that confidence. Coimbatore must ensure a complete victory for the DMK alliance," he said.
Listing key development projects, Stalin referred to initiatives such as Semmozhi Park, the GD Naidu flyover extension, a world-class hockey stadium in RS Puram, the Pillur Phase-3 combined drinking water scheme, the Ukkadam bus stand project, and power tariff reductions for powerloom workers.
Criticising the opposition, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK had replicated DMK schemes in its manifesto. He also targeted Edappadi K Palaniswami and accused the Centre of neglecting Tamil Nadu, particularly in denying metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai.
Taking a swipe at the BJP leadership, Stalin said, "They visit Tamil Nadu only during elections. If they come again, we are confident of winning over 200 seats."
He further alleged that misinformation was spread during elections in other states and said Tamil Nadu has always upheld inclusivity.
"The DMK's election manifesto is the real superstar of this election. We have fulfilled not only our promises but also those we did not explicitly make. This vote is not just for the DMK alliance but for development. People must choose between Tamil Nadu and Delhi," Stalin added.