Erode, April 2 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, on Thursday said the Congress party would release its list of candidates later in the day, as he campaigned vigorously in Erode for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections.

Addressing a public rally, CM Stalin urged voters to extend their support to the alliance candidates, including the Congress nominee in Erode East, whose candidature is expected to be confirmed following the announcement by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

He said a united Opposition front was essential to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests.

It may be recalled that the Congress party is contesting in 28 seats in the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the DMK for the 234 Assembly seats.

Campaigning across multiple constituencies in the district, CM Stalin sought votes for DMK candidates S. Muthusamy (Erode West), Thoppu Venkatachalam (Perundurai), Chandrasekar (Bhavani), Sivalingam (Anthiyur), and Nallasivam (Gobi), as well as alliance partners including candidates from the Congress, MDMK, and CPI.

Invoking the legacy of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, CM Stalin said Erode has historically been a cradle of social justice and progressive politics, also associated with stalwarts such as C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.

He framed the upcoming election as a choice between inclusive governance and divisive politics.

Highlighting his government’s achievements, CM Stalin said the Dravidian Model had delivered development across sectors and regions. He pointed to key initiatives in Erode, including the completion of the long-pending Athikadavu-Avinashi project, the establishment of a turmeric research centre, and the distribution of land titles to residents who had contributed land for infrastructure.

Launching a sharp attack on the Opposition, CM Stalin accused AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the BJP of failing to deliver on key issues.

He claimed that the NDA had undermined Tamil Nadu through policies such as NEET, delays in GST compensation, and denial of educational funds.

He also raised concerns over women’s safety, referring to past incidents and asserting that his government had strengthened laws to ensure stricter punishment for crimes against women.

Appealing to voters, CM Stalin urged support for alliance candidates across constituencies, expressing confidence that the DMK-led front would secure a decisive mandate in the polls.

—IANS

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