Several DMK candidates have reportedly sent complaints to the party leadership requesting that Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) president K. Veeramani should not campaign in their constituencies.
According to some DMK constituency observers, Veeramani insisted with the DMK leadership that he would take up electioneering and obtained permission. He began campaigning from Alangulam, and is said to have planned a 16-day tour covering 35 constituencies in support of DMK and alliance candidates.
The observers claimed candidates are wary that Veeramani’s public positions—described by them as strongly critical of Hindu religion—could alienate sections of voters, and that campaign visuals such as carrying Periyar’s image could further complicate outreach. They also expressed concern that his presence could reduce the party’s vote share rather than add to it.
The report said some candidates believe similar concerns exist within the top leadership as well, leading to him being kept away from certain constituencies, while being accommodated elsewhere. It also claimed the leadership has advised candidates to tolerate his presence for limited events, particularly to address Muslim and Christian voters.
The observers further alleged that Veeramani has not campaigned for VCK in any constituency and has largely avoided reserved constituencies except Sirkazhi, adding that this has triggered internal criticism and controversy within DK as well.
