Senior DMK leaders have stepped up election work in Tiruchirappalli district’s Manapparai constituency, where the DMK-led alliance has fielded sitting MLA Abdul Samad of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
The constituency falls under the party organisation headed by Minister Mahesh as district secretary. During Abdul Samad’s campaign, some villages reportedly voiced criticism that he had not been frequently present in the constituency, triggering resistance in pockets.
At the same time, sections within the DMK—particularly functionaries who did not get tickets and some supporters of Minister Nehru—were said to be staying away from campaign activity. In response, Nehru allegedly asked his supporters to intensify canvassing and provided them with Rs 10,000 each to work towards Abdul Samad’s victory.
Minister Mahesh, after meeting dissatisfied functionaries, reportedly warned them to work properly for the candidate or face problems with positions after the election. Despite this, some DMK functionaries are said to have remained inactive, with allegations that a few were working in favour of the AIADMK.
With fears of internal sabotage, Nehru and Mahesh undertook two days of continuous campaigning in Manapparai—an attention that, sources say, was not extended to other DMK candidates in the district. The heightened involvement has reportedly boosted morale among MMK workers.
