Tamil Nadu Bureau

CHENNAI: As the deadline for campaigning for the Lok Sabha election in the State drew to a close at 5 p.m. on Monday, leaders of various parties completed a whirlwind tour of constituencies, focussing on a host of issues including price rise, power supply situation, political stability and the Sri Lankan Tamils question.

The arch-rivals, Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa did not campaign, but second line leaders of both parties and their alliances sought votes for the nominees.

While Local Administration Minister M. K.Stalin and DMK Member of Parliament Kanimozhi wrapped up their campaign at Valangaiman and Nagercoil, D. Raja, national secretary of the Communist Party of India, part of the AIADMK-led front in the State, addressed meetings in several places of the North Chennai Lok Sabha constituency, seeking votes for his colleague and State secretary D. Pandian.

Mr. Stalin and Ms. Kanimozhi sought the people’s mandate for DMK candidates A.K.S. Vijayan (Nagapattinam) and J. Helen Davidson (Kanyakumari).

Thangkabalu seeks one more term

Addressing a meeting near the Salem bus terminus, K.V. Thangkabalu, Congress nominee for the Salem constituency, and president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee [DMK’s ally], called upon voters to give him one more term.

S. Ramadoss, Pattali Makkal Katchi founder, was in Tiruvannamalai, campaigning for his party nominee J. Guru. In a statement, he called upon the Chief Minister to issue advertisements in newspapers that the police should take firm action against those who indulged in unlawful activities, such as distribution of money.

Vaiko, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, another ally of the AIADMK, wound up his campaign at Sivakasi.

He alleged that the ruling DMK was planning “Thirumangalam type” of violations on the day of the election.

Thol. Thirumavalavan, president of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (part of the DMK-led front), wrapped up his campaign in Jayamkondan, falling under the Chidambaram constituency.

M. Venkaiah Naidu, Bharatiya Janata Party senior leader, who has been campaigning in the State for the last 10 days, concluded his campaign at K.K. Nagar here, which formed part of the South Chennai constituency.

BJP promises full term

Urging voters of the constituency to choose his colleague L. Ganesan, Mr. Naidu said, “If you want [a government lasting] full term, vote for us. If you want election every year, vote for others.”

The BJP is contesting in 12 constituencies as part of a seven-party alliance.

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder Vijayakant concluded his campaign, lasting over 50 days, at Puducherry, where his party nominee K.A.U.Ashana is contesting.

On Sunday night, he campaigned at Kallakurichi, seeking votes for his party nominee L.K. Sudhish.