A fresh controversy has erupted in Dharapuram after a man named Ashok, who was named in a police case linked to a protest against TVK candidate Sathyabama, was seen driving a bullock cart during Chief Minister Vijay’s roadshow.
According to the report, Sathyabama, the TVK candidate for the Dharapuram constituency in Tiruppur district, campaigned with ministers on September 26 in villages including Pottikampalayam and Mundu Velampatti near Kundadam. The campaign was disrupted after AIADMK and DMK supporters objected and argued, forcing the event to be cut short.
Later, some individuals allegedly followed the campaign convoy on two-wheelers and raised slogans against the candidate. Based on a complaint, Kundadam police registered a case and arrested eight people, including a 17-year-old, with additional names also included in the FIR.
In this backdrop, Ashok—said to be among those named in the case—reportedly joined TVK within eight days and was seen wearing a TVK scarf while driving the bullock cart that carried the Chief Minister during the roadshow held in Dharapuram.
AIADMK Tiruppur Suburban East district secretary Selvakumaran questioned how a person allegedly sought by police could be near the Chief Minister under security cover, and claimed this indicated the case was false. He also alleged that Ashok and others were pressured into joining TVK and said his party had audio evidence, which it would release when needed.
