DMK, TVK cadres clash in several places in Tamil Nadu during elections

CHENNAI: Largely peaceful polling in Tamil Nadu on Thursday was marred by sporadic clashes between cadres of DMK and TVK in several parts of the state.In Harbour constituency, tension flared when supporters of HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu and TVK candidate 'Sinora' P S Ashok clashed near a polling booth on Angappa Naicken Street.

According to police, the trouble began in the evening when both leaders were present at the area. A verbal exchange between them soon escalated into a confrontation between their supporters. Police intervened and dispersed the crowd.In Chepauk-Triplicane constituency, TVK cadres organised a road roko, alleging they were attacked by DMK workers near Ice House. During talks with police, TVK cadres accused a DMK councillor of assault and demanded action.

The protest was withdrawn after police assured they would initiate an inquiry.In Saidapet, three people, including two TVK cadres and a DMK councillor, Sridhar, were injured in a clash near Aranganathan subway. The incident occurred when health minister Ma Subramanian visited a polling booth. An argument broke out after Sridhar asked TVK cadres to vacate the area, leading to a physical altercation.A separate clash in Royapettah involving DMK, TVK, and AIADMK cadres left a TVK functionary injured.

Police said the incident took place on VM Street when a dispute arose over seating arrangements. The injured TVK functionary, identified as Rathi, later sat in a protest, demanding action against DMK members. A complaint was filed, and an inquiry is underway. In Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur district, a clash broke out following allegations by TVK that DMK cadres attempted to cast votes on behalf of others.In Coimbatore, DMK and BJP cadres clashed near a polling station in Gandhimanagar.

The confrontation began when DMK members stopped BJP district president Ramesh Kumar, who was visiting polling booths in an ECI-authorised vehicle. An argument ensued after questions were raised about his entry into a restricted zone and police presence in the area, escalating tensions at the site.In Trichy district, residents of Vellaiyakkonpatti near Manapparai briefly halted polling and blocked a road with logs, protesting an alleged police assault on DMK workers.

The situation was defused after intervention by officers and Manapparai MLA Abdul Samad.Another protest erupted in Trichy after a trainee DSP allegedly damaged tables and chairs used by party workers of DMK, AIADMK and TVK campaigning in the 100m limit from a polling booth. Party workers objected before senior officers stepped in to pacify them.