Campaign has reached its feverish pitch in Aravakurichi Assembly constituency, where by-election is to be held on Sunday.
With just a day left for the campaign to end, candidates and political parties have intensified their campaign with leaders and star campaigners of various parties descending on different parts of the constituency.
With hundreds of party workers from different parts of the State camping here, restaurants and hotels are witnessing brisk business. The election fever has gripped voters, who invariably speak on the prospects of candidates.
Most of the senior leaders of political parties have made whirlwind tour of the constituency covering Pallapatti, Aravakurichi, Esanatham, Chinnadharapuram, Velayuthampalayam and Thalavaipalayam.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam visited Aravakurichi twice and campaigned for AIADMK candidate V.V. Senthilnathan. As many as 8 Ministers and scores of Members of Parliament and MLAs are camping in the constituency for more than two weeks. By staying in hotels and rented houses, they visit their allotted villages frequently to seek votes for Mr. Senthilnathan.
Besides Mr. Palaniswami and Mr. Panneerselvam, PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss visited various parts of Aravakurichi on Monday, seeking votes for the AIADMK candidate. On behalf of DMDK, its treasurer Premalatha Vijaykanth sought votes at Andipattikottai, Esanatham and Chinnadharapuram.
DMK president M.K. Stalin, who has completed his first round, is expected to visit the segment on Friday again to seek votes for the DMK candidate V. Senthil Balaji. Mr. Stalin spent two days in the constituency. Besides speaking at roadside meetings in evenings, he chose to meet voters at thickly populated places in mornings. DMK alliance leaders including Congress leader P. Chidambaram, MDMK general secretary Vaiko, CPI State secretary R. Mutharasan and CPI (M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan campaigned for Mr. Senthil Balaji.
AMMK general secretary TTV. Dhinakaran is the star campaigner for his party candidate P.H. Shahul Hameed. Mr. Dhinakaran spent three days in the constituency and spoke at various points.
Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan toured the constituency on Sunday to canvas votes for his party candidate S. Mohanraj. In spite of controversy over his speech at Aravakurichi, Mr. Haasan is scheduled to visit the constituency on Thursday.
On his part, Naam Thamizhar Katchi coordinator Seeman spoke at various meetings canvassing support for his party candidate P.K. Selvam.
As the last minute efforts to win over the confidence of voters, the parties have planned for motor-cycle rallies on Thursday and Friday in different parts of the constituency.