Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 3 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday arrived at the Thoothukudi Airport to attend DMK campaign rallies ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.

The Chief Minister recieved warm welcome from a large gathering of supporters at the airport. He will be conducting campaign rallies in the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts.

Speaking to ANI, DMK Candidate from Ottapidaran, Ramajayam, hailed the CM's arrival and asserted confidence in the party's victory in the upcoming elections.

Highlighting the achievements of the past five years, he expressed optimism that the CM will 'secure the support of the people across Tamil Nadu, win in more than 200 constituencies, and assume office again as Chief Minister.'

Responding to a question about a candidate being fielded against him by the NDA alliance, he stated that over the past five years, the schemes introduced by 'Thalapathi' have reached every household.

Based on this, he expressed confidence that the people of the Ottapidaram Assembly constituency will cast a large number of votes and ensure his victory.

He further said, 'As already stated by our leader, people believe that he himself is contesting in all 234 constituencies. Therefore, the people will deliver a massive victory.'

Earlier on Thursday, Stalin held a roadshow in Coimbatore and campaigned in support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and alliance candidates, urging voters to back the ruling coalition and replicate its past electoral successes.

Addressing a public meeting at the CODISSIA Grounds, Stalin appealed to voters across key constituencies, including Coimbatore North, Pollachi, Valparai, Kinathukadavu and Sulur, to support DMK and its allies in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing the rally, Stalin said, 'Unlike others who make empty promises, the government deposited Rs 5,000 into women's bank accounts and has now announced Rs 2,000 per month, which has instilled confidence among the public. This election is one of accountability, and the DMK alliance must win all 10 constituencies.'Stalin said that Coimbatore holds a special place for him. 'Coimbatore is one of the districts I have visited most frequently after assuming office. When we came to power, COVID-19 was at its peak, and I visited and inspected the ESI Hospital wearing PPE kits. Since then, I have been visiting Coimbatore regularly for various government welfare programmes. I consider Coimbatore as my own city, which is why I chose it for the first phase of my campaign,' he said.

Highlighting the party's candidates, Stalin said leaders who deliver on promises have been fielded in key constituencies. He specifically mentioned Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South and appealed for votes for Durai Senthamizhselvan (Coimbatore North), Thalapathy Murugesan (Sulur), Sabari Karthikeyan (Kinathukadavu), Nithyanandam (Pollachi), and Kutti alias Sudhakar (Valparai). He also sought support for Congress candidates in Singanallur and Kavundampalayam.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4. (ANI)