Mon Feb 03 13:08:04 UTC 2025: ## Erode By-Election Campaign Concludes Amidst Minor Tensions
**Erode, Tamil Nadu –** The campaign period for the Erode (East) Assembly by-election concluded on Monday evening, with polling scheduled for February 5th. The by-election, necessitated by the death of sitting Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan, has seen a two-horse race between the ruling DMK and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), after the AIADMK and BJP boycotted the election.
DMK candidate V.C. Chandhirakumar and NTK candidate M.K. Seethalakshmi focused on door-to-door campaigning. NTK’s chief coordinator, Seeman, directed his campaign towards criticizing the DMK government and Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. The DMK, led by Minister S. Muthusamy, highlighted the state government’s achievements.
While the campaign largely remained peaceful, a clash between NTK and TPDK cadres occurred on Sunday, leading to over eight cases being registered against Seeman, the NTK candidate, and party members for violating campaign regulations. These violations included campaigning beyond permitted hours, staging a road blockade, and assaulting a TPDK cadre.
A total of 46 candidates are contesting the election. 227,546 voters are eligible to cast their votes at 237 polling stations. Polling materials will be dispatched to polling stations on Tuesday afternoon. Stricter regulations are in effect until the end of polling on February 5th.
First Piper 