Minister Durai Murugan, who is also the DMK general secretary, began his election campaign in Katpadi constituency even as he continues to face age-related health problems.
Durai Murugan has contested 12 elections in total—10 times from Katpadi and twice from Ranipet—winning 10 of them. In the current election, he is again contesting from Katpadi.
He arrived in Katpadi by train from Chennai and set off on an open vehicle procession to launch his campaign on Sunday. His son, DMK MP Kathir Anand, accompanied him.
According to senior DMK functionaries, the 87-year-old leader had faced the possibility of being denied a ticket due to his age, but secured it through his influence. They added that he struggled to speak during his first campaign event.
They also noted that he has recently preferred travelling by train over car. With summer conditions and Vellore being among the hottest regions in Tamil Nadu, they said the campaign is likely to be a challenge for him.
