Cash still plays a crucial role in this election, though sources claim the amounts have decreased compared to the previous contest.
Published Feb 03, 2025 | 8:27 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2025 | 9:03 PM
MK Seethalakshmi (NTK) and VC Chandrakumar (DMK)
Synopsis: The Erode east bypoll is showing reduced enthusiasm compared to previous elections, as DMK and NTK face off along ideological lines amidst controversy over remarks about Periyar. Meanwhile, illegal cash distribution continues, albeit in lesser form from previous contest.
The upcoming Erode East bypoll on 5 February, with vote counting scheduled for 8 February, shows diminished enthusiasm and fieldwork compared to previous elections. Whilst the absence of major competitors may be one reason, Erode’s people seem to view the election process as more of a routine, given that this is the third election and second by-election for the constituency in the current assembly term.
Thirumagan Evera, great-grandson of Dravidar Kazhagam founder ‘Periyar’ EV Ramasamy and son of former Union Minister EVKS Ilangovan, won the 2021 general assembly elections for the constituency under the Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance. But his passing in January 2023 due to health issues left the seat vacant. His father subsequently entered the fray in the 2023 by-election.
That election gained notoriety as one of Tamil Nadu’s costliest since Thirumangalam, with allegations of widespread cash distribution ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per vote. Reports indicate voters received silver plates, smartwatches, household goods and silk sarees, with some groups allegedly confined in halls during money exchanges.
Key DMK ministers actively oversaw the election campaign in Erode. As a result, Ilangovan secured 64.58 per cent (109,906 votes) of the total votes, whilst All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate KS Thenarasu received 25.75 per cent (43,923 votes).
Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate Menaka Navaneethan secured 6.35 per cent (10,827 votes), less than the 7.7 per cent (11,629 votes) the party had received in the 2021 Assembly election.
But Ilangovan’s victory as an MLA after a gap of 34 years proved short-lived. He passed away last December, leaving the constituency vacant once again.
Officials announced yet another by-election on 7 January. Major Opposition parties such as the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) boycotted the contest, citing widespread electoral malpractice in the previous by-poll. Even actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) stayed away.
The DMK’s main opposition for the seat comes from teacher-turned-farmer MK Seethalakshmi of the NTK. The former has fielded VC Chandrakumar, who belongs to a prominent backward community in Erode, whilst Seethalakshmi is from another backward community. Several independent candidates have also joined the race.
The contest took a dramatic turn when NTK leader Seeman’s comments regarding Periyar stirred controversy, potentially affecting the party’s campaign. Party members in Erode east feel these remarks could have been avoided, as they face backlash on the field.
DMK maintains two perspectives: they believe NTK cannot garner significant votes, yet strongly desire victory with a margin exceeding 100,000 votes, locals say.
Dravidian movements, including the 17 May Movement, have launched a campaign against NTK for their alleged derogatory remarks about Periyar, benefiting the DMK.
For now, ruling party is focussed solely on achieving victory, setting aside ideological debates to secure the win.
The constituency comprises more than 60 wards, divided into six sections with assigned coordinators. Tamil Nadu Housing Minister and DMK Erode South District Secretary Muthuchamy is overseeing the entire election process for the party.
Meanwhile, cash still plays a crucial role in this election, though sources claim the amounts have decreased compared to the previous contest.
Locals claim illegal money distribution now ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per vote. According to party sources, DMK leadership has allocated ₹500 for the election, whilst local DMK leaders are spending their own money, considering upcoming local body elections. They believe representatives who secure the most votes will receive tickets for future elections.
Municipal colony residents report receiving ₹2,000 per vote in their area, though some complain about the absence of gifts this time. One young resident, speaking anonymously, noted that whilst ₹2,000 was being distributed in his ward, residents of neighbouring wards were getting up to ₹3,000.
Interestingly, the distribution of money seems to be following caste lines. Most Arunthathiyar (SC) community votes in Erode traditionally supported AIADMK. However, after former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s death, that vote bank fragmented, according to Erode residents.
DMK is now focussing on securing the community’s votes.
Meanwhile, AIADMK members suggest caste-based votes will favour DMK, whilst BJP votes will support NTK, primarily due to their stance on Periyar. Supporters of the TVK say their focus is on the 2026 elections, ensuring that their district is prepared for long-term political goals.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
