Chennai, April 1 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stepped up the DMK’s election campaign on Wednesday, canvassing in support of party candidates in Tiruchy as the state heads toward the April 23 Assembly elections.

Launching his day’s campaign in the bustling Gandhi Market area, Stalin appealed to voters to re-elect Inigo S. Irudhayaraj from the Tiruchy East constituency.

The Chief Minister interacted with traders, workers, and the general public, urging them to back the incumbent MLA for another term, citing the government’s welfare initiatives and development agenda.

Irudhayaraj is locked in a high-profile contest against Vijay, who is leading the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the constituency.

The Tiruchy East seat is witnessing heightened political attention due to the presence of the actor-turned-politician, making it one of the closely watched battlegrounds in the state.

Continuing his outreach, Stalin later visited Bhima Nagar, where he campaigned in support of senior DMK leader K.N. Nehru, the party’s candidate for Tiruchy West.

Nehru, a prominent figure in the region, is contesting the Assembly elections for the sixth consecutive time since 2006, underlining his long-standing political presence in the constituency.

During the visit, the Chief Minister engaged with local residents and party workers, reinforcing the DMK’s message of continuity in governance and development.

In a lighter moment that drew public attention, Stalin was seen stopping at a roadside tea shop, sharing tea with party candidates and supporters, including Nehru, highlighting his grassroots connect with voters.

The campaign in Tiruchy forms part of Stalin’s statewide tour aimed at consolidating support for the DMK-led alliance across key constituencies.

Party leaders believe that strong performances in urban and semi-urban pockets like Tiruchy will be crucial in determining the overall electoral outcome.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering all 234 Assembly constituencies.

With the campaign entering its final and most intense phase, major political parties have ramped up their outreach efforts, setting the stage for a closely contested election.

–IANS

aal/dpb