Tamil Nadu election: Annamalai urges EC to act against DMK ‘soft campaign’

COIMBATORE: Former BJP state president K Annamalai on Thursday accused the ruling DMK of bribing voters with cash and jewellery. He alleged that the distribution of money and ornaments had been widespread over the past three days, especially in Coimbatore.

He criticised what he described as the DMK’s “soft campaign” tactics and urged the Election Commission of India to take strict action. Annamalai was speaking to reporters after casting his vote at a polling station set up at PSG College of Arts and Science on Avinashi Road in the Kavundampalayam assembly constituency. He expressed support for Coimbatore South AIADMK candidate Amman K Arjunan, who recently protested alleged electoral irregularities.Annamalai raised several concerns about the conduct of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election, including alleged electoral malpractice and logistical shortcomings.He urged the public to vote in large numbers, saying, “Everyone has been performing their democratic duty excellently since this morning. It is vital that every citizen votes; please do not stay home.” He said polling stations had the necessary facilities and that 84,000 police personnel were on duty but added that the true success of the election depended on voter turnout.

Annamalai said voters had complained about inadequate bus services from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu and from Coimbatore and said the Election Commission should have coordinated transport arrangements more effectively. He pointed to what he called an irony: ordinary citizens are questioned for carrying more than Rs 50,000, while political parties allegedly distribute large amounts of money without facing action.

He added that although the Election Commission is a central body, officials on the ground are state government employees, which, he suggested, could affect the impartiality of the process.Responding to questions about his white shirt and brown trousers, Annamalai said the outfit was a personal choice linked to his past.“I have worn this outfit since my days in the police force. Others like Jagan Mohan Reddy and Vijay may wear similar clothes. But for me, it is a reminder of where I came from. Please do not read any political alignment into my attire,” he said.Annamalai said democracy would prevail in the election and expressed hope that voters would follow their conscience despite the alleged influence of money power.