Date:08/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/08/stories/2009010857650100.htm

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Campaigning concludes in Thirumangalam

Madurai Bureau

— Photo: S. James

ON DUTY: Paramilitary personnel patrolling in Thirumangalam on Wednesday.

MADURAI: Loud speakers at hundreds of places across the Thirumangalam constituency fell silent as the curtains on the campaign for the January 9 by-poll came down on Wednesday evening.

Scores of vehicles bearing party flags filed past the constituency on the Virudhunagar-Madurai highway, even before election officials along with State police and paramilitary personnel commenced a flushing operation.

Hectic electioneering for over 10 days saw leaders of all political parties in the State laying siege to the rural constituency.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi restricted his campaign to one day by addressing a public meeting on Monday. DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin and his brother, M.K. Azhagiri, led the campaign with a team of Ministers and former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran camping for several days. They were joined by Congress leaders K.V. Thangkabalu and G.K. Vasan. They sought votes for DMK candidate Latha Athiyaman for continuance of good work and to sustain development.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa made a whirlwind tour of the constituency for three days. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko was the star campaigner for AIADMK candidate M. Muthuramalingam.

Leaders of the Left parties, N. Varadarajan, and D. Pandian, added vigour to the AIADMK campaign with their sharp criticism of the ruling party. “Deterioration of law and order” and violent incidents in the State, particularly a few murder cases in Madurai district, were the running theme of their electioneering.

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder Vijayakant and his wife Premalatha appealed to the voters to reject both the Dravidian parties for their failure to meet the expectations of people. All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi leader Sarath Kumar, who toured along with his wife, Radhika, asked the people to wholeheartedly accept the bribe money and vote for their party candidates. The Dravidian parties complained against each other with the Election Commission.

Two bouts of violent incidents saw Melur MLA R. Samy getting arrested. This was followed by the transfer of Madurai Range DIG S.S. Krishnamoorthy and Madurai Superintendent of Police M. Manohar. A case was registered against Mr. Stalin “for bribing voters.”

The by-election was forced on the constituency following the demise of MDMK MLA Veera. Elavarasan on November 8.

Security arrangements

Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar said paramilitary forces would be stationed at vantage points.

Police personnel took out flag marches at different locations across the constituency on Wednesday.