AIADMK decides to boycott bypoll for Vikravandi

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday announced that his party is boycotting byelection to Vikravandi assembly constituency as "it will not be held in a free and fair manner". He said AIADMK will return to power in 2026 by exposing DMK's abuse of power, intimidation, violence, empty promises, and the deterioration of law and order in the state.
EPS said AIADMK was not afraid of facing elections but had concerns about transparency of the process. "AIADMK boycotts as ministers and DMK partymen will potentially unleash violence aided by money and muscle power. They won't allow the electorate to exercise franchise freely, and elections won't be held in a free and fair manner," EPS said. He recalled boycotts by former CM J Jayalalithaa during 2009 bypolls in Ilayangudi, Cumbum, Thondamuthur, Bargur, and Srivaikuntam, accusing DMK of committing electoral atrocities.
EPS accused DMK of stifling democracy in anticipation of defeat in Erode East bypoll. "Akin to creating Thirumangalam formula to bribe voters, Erode East formula was formed. It staged a hideous democratic carnage by corralling voters like cattle," EPS alleged. Voters were confined to "camps" across constituency, limiting their access to opposition parties, he alleged. Landowners who resisted were threatened, and voters were provided with food and gifts. They were also warned that they would lose govt benefits if they did not stay in the camps. EPS said despite multiple complaints to district officer and chief electoral officer, no action was taken.