Tamil Nadu BJP Chief and DMK Minister Clash Over Election Expenses and Campaigning

A heated exchange unfolded between Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and DMK Minister TRB Rajaa regarding campaign expenditures and their parties’ prospects in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Annamalai, who is also the BJP candidate for Coimbatore, raised questions about the initiatives undertaken by other parties for the welfare and development of the constituency.

“The Dravidian parties have failed to make significant contributions to Coimbatore’s progress. What substantial changes have they brought about? The only noticeable change is the rise in temperature. Coimbatore was once known for its cool and serene environment, but now the temperatures have increased by two to three degrees,” he remarked.

Responding to Annamalai’s assertions, TRB Rajaa, son of DMK MP TR Baalu, suggested that the BJP may struggle to handle the “election heat”.

“They are fabricating stories about temperature changes. These individuals won’t be able to withstand the rigors of elections. They are unaware of what election fervor truly entails. We haven’t even begun our campaign in full swing, and they are already complaining about the heat,” he retorted.

Undeterred by the rebuttal, Annamalai declared his intention to refrain from spending a “single penny” to secure victory in the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency.

“While other parties may splurge on election expenses, I can assure you, in writing, that I won’t spend a single penny on winning the Coimbatore seat,” he affirmed.

In response, TRB Rajaa emphasized the necessity of adhering to Election Commission guidelines on campaign expenditure.

“The Election Commission has stipulated a specific budget for candidates. We incur expenses for providing tea and coffee to our party workers engaged in election-related tasks. However, considering the lack of participation from BJP supporters, they may not incur any expenses,” he pointed out.

Tamil Nadu, with its 39 Lok Sabha seats, is set to cast its votes in a single phase on April 19, with the counting scheduled for June 4.