Trichy gears up for massive DMK, BJP rallies

Trichy: Election fever has gripped Trichy well ahead of the model code of conduct kicking in, with DMK and BJP racing against time to conduct massive campaign rallies between March 9 and 11. While DMK's state-level conference, presided over by CM Stalin, will be held at Siruganur on the Trichy-Chennai NH on March 9, BJP has planned an NDA rally to be attended by PM Modi and other NDA leaders on March 11, just about 30km south of the DMK's venue.DMK has sentimentally picked Trichy to host the party's 12th successive state-level conference in Trichy. In March 2021, Stalin, then leader of opposition, had released a vision document with seven promises at the state conference held at the same venue. The conference catapulted DMK to power after 10 years in the opposition. This time, with eyes on retaining power, the party, with the tagline ‘Stalin Thodarattum TamilNadu Vellattum' (Let Stalin Continue, Let Tamil Nadu Triumph), has entrusted party principal secretary K N Nehru with the task of assembling 10 lakh cadres and functionaries on March 9. Around 500 acres of land is ready for the event. The CM made a statement recently that DMK would unveil the ‘main picture' at Trichy, indicating the show of strength before the crucial poll. The meeting holds significance as DMK recently sealed the alliance after adding new parties to the fold. The conference will also be a litmus test for local minister Nehru in retaining his influence as he faces ED's corruption charges. "Conference will start around 3pm and go on for 4 hours. We have music programmes from composer Deva. CM may talk about poll promises," Nehru said. As the central region comprising agrarian Cauvery delta districts is perceived as a stronghold zone of DMK, BJP plans to make inroads in the region, starting with the Trichy campaign and with support from its key allies including AIADMK and AMMK. PM Modi will land at Panjapur on March 11 around 5pm and address the public. He is also expected to launch several new projects for the state."TN people expect a change of guard in the state. For now, we cannot comment on seat-sharing talks. Unlike the squabble between DMK and Congress, our alliance is firm," party state president Nainar Nagenthran said. Around 30 acres of land is identified for the BJP campaign, to be attended by several NDA leaders.