COIMBATORE: The AIADMK-BJP alliance has intensified campaigning in the Coimbatore North assembly constituency despite the absence of its candidate Vanathi Srinivasan who has been hospitalised due to ill health.Vanathi, who had been campaigning intensively after filing her nomination, was hospitalized on April 10 due to a leg swelling. In her absence, former BJP state president K Annamalai and Vanathi’s elder son, Adarsh, have been campaigning in the constituency.On Monday, her younger son Kailash joined the campaign. Kailash carried out an intensive door-to-door campaign. Addressing the residents, he said, “My mother will recover soon and return to serve the people.
Until then, I am here knocking on your doors as her representative.” Kailash, who is pursuing his studies in London, returned to Coimbatore after Vanathi was announced as the candidate.Cadres of the AIADMK and its alliance partners, along with Shakti Kendra in-charges, were also actively engaged in door-to-door campaigning, said BJP state media secretary P Sowmiyarani. She added that intensive canvassing was also being carried out under the leadership of AIADMK functionary R Chandrasekar.
Vanathi made an appearance at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday despite being hospitalised, highlighting her continued political engagement. She expressed gratitude to party workers and the public for their continued concern over her health, adding that she remained thankful for their prayers and support.Leaders and actors, including Kasthuri, Khushbu Sundar and R Sarathkumar, are scheduled to campaign in the constituency in the coming days.AIADMK won in Coimbatore North in 2011, 2016 and 2021, making the constituency a perceived stronghold of the party. However, AIADMK MGR youth wing joint secretary R Chandrasekar, a close aide of party leader S P Velumani, was denied the ticket despite active groundwork. After the seat was allotted to BJP, a contest for candidature reportedly took place between Annamalai and Vanathi, with the latter being declared the candidate.
