DMK Alleges Election Commission’s Bias in Symbol Distribution

Amidst the political arena in Chennai, Ka Amutharasan, the Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing affiliated with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has leveled accusations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging a partial stance favoring ruling factions in the allocation of election symbols.

Expressing his discontent, the youthful leader of DMK remarked, “ECI’s allotment of symbols to Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam aligns closely with their preferences, given their affiliation with the BJP alliance.”

He further elaborated, “Conversely, ECI’s reluctance to grant symbols as desired by parties such as Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), both aligned with DMK, is evident. Even the Naam Tamilar Party (NTK) failed to secure its desired symbol under ECI’s jurisdiction.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the spearhead of DMK, MK Stalin, launched a scathing critique against the BJP, alleging their penchant for public welfare only during election seasons. Addressing a gathering during an electoral rally for DMK in Chennai, he contended that the recent reduction in fuel prices by the Central government led by BJP is merely a tactical move preceding the elections.

“BJP’s display of concern for public welfare is conspicuously timed with election cycles. The recent adjustments in petrol, diesel, and gas prices are emblematic of this strategy. The Modi administration, responsible for the initial surge in prices, now feigns innocence amidst the downward price adjustments,” Stalin asserted.

Of noteworthy mention, Tamil Nadu braces for electoral engagement across all 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Phase 1 on April 19, with the ballot counting slated for June 4. In the preceding 2019 elections, DMK secured 23 Lok Sabha seats, clinching a vote share of 33.2 percent, while the Congress secured 8 seats with a vote share of 12.9 percent. Additionally, the CPI clinched two seats in Tamil Nadu.

One seat each was secured by CPI (M) and IML, with two seats going to independent candidates. The upcoming general elections, encompassing 543 Lok Sabha constituencies nationwide, will be conducted across seven phases starting April 19, engaging an estimated 97 crore eligible voters.