CHENNAI: The political atmosphere surrounding the Erode East Assembly constituency is heating up, as both the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) vie for dominance following the death of senior Congress leader EVKS Elangovan. The upcoming by-election has prompted both parties to assert their claims to the seat, with the INC committed to contesting it.
K Selvaperunthagai, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), confirmed on Friday, January 3, 2025, the party's intent to field a candidate. "The seat has been held by the Congress. We will certainly contest it," he stated, reiteratively emphasizing the Congress's historical connection with Erode East.
The necessity for this by-election arose when Elangovan passed away on December 14, 2024, following a brief illness. Previously, the constituency was represented by his son, Thirumagan Evera, who also tragically died of cardiac arrest on January 4, 2023. This dual loss has not only evoked deep sentiments among the electorate but has also intensified the political battle over the seat.
Traditionally, Congress has been the frontrunner in this constituency, winning it consistently until recently. Political observers noted the potential for contention when local DMK leaders suggested to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during his visit to Erode earlier this week, "The Congress lacks a leader of sufficient stature to contest from Erode East." This sentiment was echoed by P.M. Gnapathy Sundaran, who heads the Erode-based Centre for Development and Electoral Studies. He asserted, "The Congress does not have grassroots strength in Erode East and has always relied on the DMK. With no member of the EVKS family contesting, it would be preferable for the DMK to take over the seat."
The friction between the two parties highlights the challenges within the INDIA bloc, which includes both the DMK and Congress, created to counter the BJP's influence. While the DMK appears poised to assert its strength, the Congress is adamant about maintaining its hold on Erode East.
The political dynamics are set to evolve rapidly, especially with the Tamil Nadu Assembly scheduled to convene on January 6. It is anticipated the impending by-election will be leveraged by the opposition AIADMK and BJP to generate friction and discord among the DMK and Congress cadres.
Adding to the mix, the issue of social support and welfare has also surfaced, with Selvaperunthagai urging the state government to allocate Rs 1,000 as a Pongal gift for disadvantaged families, advocating for measures to honor the festival's spirit.
The stakes are high as both Congress and DMK mobilize their resources and grassroots organizations to sway the voters of Erode East. With both political giants eyeing the prize and local sentiments still vividly reflecting the legacy of Elangovan, the by-election promises to be closely contested.
Selvaperunthagai's declarations coincide with the scheduled ceremony on January 7, when Chief Minister MK Stalin will lay wreaths for Elangovan and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This event is expected to gather numerous leaders from the INDIA bloc, highlighting the unity the coalition aims to project, even amid prevailing tensions.
Collectively, these developments signal the beginning of intensified political activity, as the two parties gear up for what could be a pivotal election. The sentiment among analysts remains cautious, recognizing the Congress's historical leanings and its unprecedented challenges confronting local opinion.
For now, Erode East remains not only a political battleground but also a barometer of coalition politics' viability and local governance efficacy. With the memory of two prominent leaders still fresh, the decision of who will carry the torch forward promises to affect political alignments and voter sentiments dramatically.
With election dates nearing, local residents watch closely as their representative goal once again occupies the forefront of Tamil Nadu's political theater, leaving many to ponder who will emerge victorious when the dust settles.