DMK Accuses Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay of Traveling with a Wanted Suspect

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay traveled in a bullock cart with a person who is wanted by the police, according to DMK organization secretary R.S. Bharathi. Speaking to reporters at the Anna Arivalayam in Teynampet, Chennai, Bharathi criticized both the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam and the actions of the police. He questioned how a person described as wanted by the police managed to ride in a bullock cart with the Chief Minister, and asked why the police have not taken appropriate action yet. Bharathi also pointed out that T.V.K. minister Keerthana used children to make comments criticizing the DMK, and asked why the police remained silent on this issue. He further questioned why cases were filed in a hurry against former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin by the state police. According to Nakkheeran, Chief Minister Vijay campaigned in the Tharanpuram assembly constituency supporting T.V.K. candidate Sathyabama, riding in a bullock cart with a green towel wrapped around him while crowds cheered. Nakkheeran notes that Ashok, a former AIADMK functionary from the Pottikkampalayam area near Kundadam, drove the bullock cart for the Chief Minister, and that the AIADMK has accused this driver of being a wanted criminal sought by the police. The AIADMK also alleged that AIADMK functionaries in Tharanpuram were threatened and forced to join the T.V.K. by a minister, and that the driver of the bullock cart was similarly threatened and switched from the AIADMK to the T.V.K. just days ago.

Context

Political parties during election campaigns in Tamil Nadu frequently level serious allegations against opposing leaders to question their credibility and administrative control. Accusations involving law enforcement and local party switchovers are common talking points as parties vie for public support during constituency visits.