BJP may be ‘avoided’ in Vellore campaign

Interestingly, AIADMK workers involved in the Vellore Lok Sabha election campaign have conveyed to the party leaders and regional satraps insisting them not to invite the BJP leaders to campaign in Vellore district where polling is scheduled for next month. 

“There is a strong anti-Modi wave in pockets of Ambur, Vaniyambadi and KV Kuppam that supports a large Muslim population. The recent election of former minister Mohammed Jan as Rajya Sabha MP is more than enough. The campaign of AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had also been scheduled for next week,” said an AIADMK functionary involved in the Vellore campaign process.

“With Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to visit Tamil Nadu by the end of this month and offer prayers to Aththi Varadhar at Kancheepuram, there are also talks within a section of AIADMK workers that the ruling party should capitalise on the PM visit for Vellore Lok Sabha campaign,” AIADMK leader KC Palanisamy told DT Next. “We must wait and see on how the campaign strategy unveils. But we are sure that the so-called anti-Modi wave in TN is now over and this Vellore poll will be a direct fight between the AIADMK and the DMK. The party led by EPS and OPS has an advantage against the DMK which entertains dynastic politics,” he added.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK had already designated Vellore-based Ministers KC Veeramani and Nilofar Kafeel to spearhead the campaign. 

Further, the party is also examining the campaign strategy adopted by the DMK which has pressed 16 formers ministers into the electioneering process. 

The party will review the poll machinery this weekend and the announcement of poll managers are expected next week, AIADMK party headquarters sources said.

Meanwhile, Chief electoral officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Friday said that the Election Commission has appointed two IRS officers as poll observers to prevent cash for votes.