The public opposition during the campaign of the TVK’s P. Sathyabama, Dharapuram (SC) Assembly Constituency candidate of the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, was being orchestrated by the DMK, alleged Minister for Health and Tiruppur district In-Charge Minister K.G. Arunraj on Thursday (September 24).
“False propaganda is being spread that Ms. Sathyabama had resigned as AIADMK MLA after receiving ₹50 crore from the ruling party. AIADMK cadre were disenchanted with their leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami after he had, in an act of ‘betrayal’, connived with arch-rival DMK, in total disregard of the voters’ verdict,” Dr. Arunraj told mediapersons, adding: “This is the very reason why 25 AIADMK MLAs voted for the TVK-led government. Mr. Palaniswami himself cannot [morally] claim victory in Edappadi constituency after having bought out the candidate fielded by the TVK, due to ‘fear of defeat’”.
Those leaving the AIADMK were only coming to the TVK in faith of clean governance, he said.
The DMK can never win [elections] anymore by spending money, Dr. Arunraj said, denying reports that he and Ms. Sathyabama were confronted by an angry mob during a campaign at Kundadam.
Published – September 24, 2026 08:36 pm IST
