'Where were you for five years?': Tamil Nadu MLAs face voters they 'ignored' for 5 yrs
TRICHY: "Where were you these past five years? What happened to the promises you made last time? Why are we still without proper water supply, roads, and drainage?" Disillusioned voters across the state are confronting their MLAs with a barrage of questions as they step out to seek votes for the upcoming poll.
The scene has been playing out across assembly segments since incumbent DMK MLA s began reaching out to constituents, including those in interior parts who may rarely get to see their representatives to register their grievances. On Saturday night, Karur district's Aravakurichi MLA R Elango, who had defeated former BJP state president K Annamalai in 2021, was confronted by residents over a host of civic issues. As Elango visited Pappanaickenpatti. "There is no proper water, roads or drainage. How can I give my vote? You have not come here for five years. Will you visit us only once in five years," voters were heard asking in a video that has since gone viral.
Tense bouts of this sort were also seen in Thanjavur on Saturday when Kumbakonam MLA G Anbalagan, seeking a fourth term from the seat, had to leave without reaching out to voters who complained about lack of drinking water, rainwater stagnation, and contamination of water. "For years, we have voted for DMK, but it has yielded no benefit," said a resident.
In Tiruchendur on Saturday, DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan, seeking a seventh consecutive term, was stopped in Kalvilai village by locals protesting against unfulfilled promises. Similar incidents have been witnessed in Rajapalayam and Andipatti.
Political analysts said it is common for MLAs who served multiple terms to face anti-incumbency, but that it has been amplified by digital platforms.
The scene has been playing out across assembly segments since incumbent DMK MLA s began reaching out to constituents, including those in interior parts who may rarely get to see their representatives to register their grievances. On Saturday night, Karur district's Aravakurichi MLA R Elango, who had defeated former BJP state president K Annamalai in 2021, was confronted by residents over a host of civic issues. As Elango visited Pappanaickenpatti. "There is no proper water, roads or drainage. How can I give my vote? You have not come here for five years. Will you visit us only once in five years," voters were heard asking in a video that has since gone viral.
Tense bouts of this sort were also seen in Thanjavur on Saturday when Kumbakonam MLA G Anbalagan, seeking a fourth term from the seat, had to leave without reaching out to voters who complained about lack of drinking water, rainwater stagnation, and contamination of water. "For years, we have voted for DMK, but it has yielded no benefit," said a resident.
In Tiruchendur on Saturday, DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan, seeking a seventh consecutive term, was stopped in Kalvilai village by locals protesting against unfulfilled promises. Similar incidents have been witnessed in Rajapalayam and Andipatti.
Political analysts said it is common for MLAs who served multiple terms to face anti-incumbency, but that it has been amplified by digital platforms.
Next Story