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 officially ended on Monday evening, February 3, 2025, paving the way for polling on February 5th. The by-election, necessitated by the death of sitting Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan, has seen a two-party contest between the DMK candidate, V.C. Chandhirakumar, and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate, M.K. Seethalakshmi, after the AIADMK and BJP boycotted the election.
The campaign saw the DMK highlighting the government’s achievements, while NTK’s chief coordinator, Seeman, focused his efforts on criticizing Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and the DMK government. While largely peaceful, the campaign was marred by a clash between NTK and TPDK cadres on Sunday. Further, over eight cases were filed against Seeman, the NTK candidate, and party workers for violations including campaigning beyond permitted hours, road blockades, and assault.
A total of 46 candidates are contesting the election. Around 227,546 voters are eligible to cast their votes across 237 polling stations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on February 5th. Distribution of polling materials to stations begins Tuesday afternoon. With the conclusion of campaigning, outsiders are leaving the constituency, and new election regulations are in effect until the end of polling.
First Piper 