DMK functionaries in Dharmapuri have told Chief Minister M.K. Stalin that the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has only a limited vote base in the Dharmapuri Assembly constituency. The assessment was shared during an interaction held on March 20, according to party sources.
During the discussion, Stalin reportedly asked why the DMK lost the constituency in the previous election. Party representatives said the 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars influenced voting across five Assembly segments in the district, benefiting the AIADMK-led alliance.
Stalin also sought clarity on DMDK’s ground strength in Dharmapuri. DMK office-bearers claimed DMDK could muster only about 5,000 to 7,000 votes in the constituency and argued that the party would need DMK’s backing to win, while also admitting that the DMK’s local position remains a concern.
A DMK functionary was quoted as saying that rival parties are perceived to be stronger than the DMK in parts of Dharmapuri district, and that organisational weaknesses have contributed to the slide. He pointed to PMK’s strength in Nallampalli Union, a near-even contest between AIADMK and DMK in Dharmapuri Union, and a traditionally DMK-leaning vote in Dharmapuri town.
He also said discontent among traders and small businesses affected by the relocation of the new suburban bus stand could shape the next election. The AIADMK and PMK taking up protests in support of the traders was described as an advantage for the alliance, with the issue expected to reflect in the polls.
