Udhayanidhi Stalin calls for BJP ally PMK's defeat in Vikravandi bypoll, cites NEET row

The Vikravandi constituency was left vacant after the death of DMK MLA N Pugazhendhi died due to illness on April 6.

Published on: Jul 8, 2024, 14:09:59 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Tamil Nadu minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday appealed to the people of Vikravandi constituency to defeat Pattali Makkal Katchi, an ally of Bharatiya Janata Party, by evoking the NEET-UG issue and the BJP's stand on the matter.

Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "You all have already decided to vote for the DMK... It is the DMK which raised its voice against the NEET exam and now the leaders of the northern states have started opposing it. It is the BJP which is against it (ANI)

Addressing a gathering, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “You all have already decided to vote for the DMK... It is the DMK which raised its voice against the NEET exam and now the leaders of the northern states have started opposing it. It is the BJP which is against it (opposing the NEET exam) and the PMK is in alliance with them and is contesting this bypoll, so I ask you all to defeat them in this bypoll.”

ALSO READ | Abolish NEET exam or grant exemption to Tamil Nadu: DMK demands in Rajya Sabha

Earlier on June 28, Tamil Nadu assembly unanimously had passed a resolution to abolish NEET at the national level.

The Vikravandi constituency was left vacant after the death of DMK MLA N Pugazhendhi died due to illness on April 6.

The contest is expected to be between the DMK candidate Anniyur Siva and PMK candidate and party vice-president C Anbumani.

Both parties have fielded candidates from the Vanniyar community which is the majority here followed by dalits, reported TOI.

AIADMK had decided to boycott the elections alleging that the current state government will misuse its powers to turn the polls into their favour. AIADMK chief Edappadi Palanisamy said “DMK ministers, cadres will misuse the power of a ruling party, they will also unleash violence and lawlessness and not allow people to vote independently,” reported HT.

ALSO READ | Bypoll in Vikravandi will not be fair and free: EPS on boycott call

While DMK expects to continue its dream run in the state after a clean sweep of winning 39 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, the recent hooch tragedy in the neighbouring district of Kallakurichi may throw wrench into DMK's plans. The illicit liquor tragedy claimed 65 lives and caused multiple protests in the state legislative assembly.

(with inputs from news agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.