Attacking the Congress as a forgotten party in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK Lok Sabha candidate for Karur constituency M. Thambi Durai said the party’s symbol, ‘Hand,’ had been washed off long ago.

He said only Narendra Modi could take the country to the next level of development. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was no match for him, he said.

Mr. Thambi Durai, who is contesting for the third time from this constituency, said he had been visiting Vedasandur every month, accompanied by officials from various departments. While many issues were sorted out, some remained to be solved. Apprehending defeat, their opponents were spreading rumours against the AIADMK on the social media, which the people were not ready to believe, he said.

Only the BJP and the AIADMK could deliver goods to the masses. Mr. Thambi Durai said that if elected he would bring new industries. On the Cauvery dispute, he said the new government would protect the rights of Tamil Nadu and he would play a key role in it.

The Congress has fielded Jothimani, a first-time contender. AMMK and Kamal Hassan’s MNM are also in the fray. Former AIADMK minister Senthil Balaji, who was with TTV Dhinakaran’s party till a few months ago, had recently joined the DMK. A high voltage campaign is in the offing in Karur constituency.