Registers impressive victories in bypolls to 530 urban, rural local bodies in Tamil Nadu
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu continued its winning streak by registering impressive victories in the bypolls held to 530 urban and rural local bodies in the State. The party’s candidates romped home with big margins in the elections held for the post of mayors in Thoothukudi and Coimbatore. The mayoral election for Thirunelveli Municipal Corporation has already been bagged by the AIADMK as all rival candidates had withdrawn from the race.
The bypolls were held on September 18 and the results were announced on Monday. The election was marred by allegations from the Opposition parties that the AIADMK was misusing the Government machinery and was threatening the rival candidates, some of them withdrawing their candidature in favour of the ruling party candidates. Except the BJP and the lefts, all principal Opposition parties had stayed away from the election.
Jayalalithaa thanked the voters of the State for continuing their trust and confidence in the AIADMK. “This is a recognition for the welfare measures initiated by our Government for the poor people. I consider this as an endorsement of my Government by the people for the good work done by us. Our hands have been strengthened by the people through this victory,” said Jayalalithaa.
The Chief Minister celebrated the victory by opening five more Amma Restaurants in five different hospitals in Chennai. The restaurants, which have become a rave among the people in Tamil Nadu offer idlis at Rs 1 and meals at the rate of Rs 5. Government officials from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi had visited Chennai to study about the functioning of Amma Restaurants with an eye to open such hotels in these places.
But Tamilisai Sounderrajan, the BJP State chief and D Pandyan, the CPI secretary alleged that the AIADMK victory was the result of money and muscle power. “Many of our party candidates were abducted or forced to withdraw from the race. The AIADMK won the election only through misusing Government machinery,” said Sounderrajan.