Erode (East) bypoll 2025 | Subdued campaign as parties focus on direct voter engagement

Erode (East) Assembly Constituency byelection sees a quiet campaign with DMK and NTK as main contenders.

Drum beaters, blaring music aimed at grabbing the attention of voters, and the throngs of supporters accompanying candidates – elements typical of a poll campaign – were notably absent in the run-up to the February 5 byelection for the Erode (East) Assembly Constituency.

With opposition parties, including the AIADMK and the BJP boycotting the byelection, it is now a two-cornered contest between the DMK and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK). Minister for Housing and Urban Development S. Muthusamy and INDIA bloc candidate V.C. Chandhirakumar are conducting door-to-door campaigns, accompanied by 20 to 30 supporters. Likewise, NTK candidate M.K. Seethalakshmi, supported by a small cadre, has garnered support while the party’s chief coordinator Seeman conducts public meetings.

During the 2023 byelection, the constituency witnessed a flurry of political activity, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Ministers, MLAs, MPs, and leaders from the AIADMK and BJP campaigning intensively for two to three weeks. Tea shops, hotels, eateries, and other businesses were bustling, while roads were filled with functionaries’ cars from across the state, leading to frequent congestion. Private accommodations, lodges and rented houses were in good demand for a month. Autorickshaws carrying drum beaters, loud music, and dancers were a common sight providing livelihood for thousands of artistes.

However, the usual pre-election frenzy is absent this time. V. Kuppuraj, a drum beate, noted that the campaign lacked the usual intensity and vibrancy. Voters also observed the absence of musical instruments that typically precede candidates’ visits, noting, “we have not seen such a silent campaign.”

Despite this, a DMK functionary explained that, unlike vehicle-based campaigns, this approach gives them a chance to engage directly with electors at their doorsteps. “Although the electrifying mood of past elections is missing, we are focused on reaching all voters,” he added.

With the campaign set to end at 6 p.m. on February 3, both parties are leaving no stone unturned to connect with voters before the polling.