NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister on Sunday launched his election campaign in the Mannargudi Assembly constituency of Thiruvarur district, supporting DMK candidate TRB Rajaa, as the party intensified its campaign ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing gatherings during the campaign, Udhayanidhi Stalin hit out at unnamed critics, saying, “Some say I am not originally from the Delta region. But today I say I am an original Delta person. The truth is, they are not original Delhi person.”He also framed the election contest as a political battle between rival blocs and criticised the AIADMK, saying, “This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership. He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government.”Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin continued his election campaign in the Paramakudi area under Kolathur constituency and interacted with members of the public during a morning walk. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party was attempting to enter Tamil Nadu through the AIADMK, stating, “The truth is that the BJP is entering Tamil Nadu wearing the mask of the AIADMK.”Stalin also visited a roadside tea stall and later met members of the weaving community, which forms a significant population in the region.Udhayanidhi Stalin, during earlier campaign events in Manachanallur on Saturday, also reiterated welfare promises, including financial assistance for women, housing expansion under the Kalaignar Housing Scheme, and educational support for students, news agency ANI reported.The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
