Pudukottai: AIADMK races ahead in vote hunt

PUDUKKOTTAI: The AIADMK raced ahead of its rivals as its cadre kick-started the campaign for the Pudukkottai bypoll on Friday, even while other parties are deliberating over contesting the bypoll. AIADMK candidate VR Karthick Thondaiman canvassed votes on Melamettu Street, Saurashtra Street, Maharajapuram and Government Museum Road by highlighting the welfare schemes implemented by the government after it assumed office. He also promised to deliver the benefits of all the welfare schemes to the targeted beneficiaries and vowed to provide basic amenities, including health and hygiene, potable water and good roads. Viralimalai MLA C Vijaya Bhaskar, who accompanied the AIADMK candidate, explaining the welfare schemes implemented in the area, expressed confidence that AIADMK would win the June 12 by-elections with a margin of nearly one lakh votes. Thondaiman offered prayers at Brahadhambal temple in Thirugokarnam, the deity of his family, before commencing the poll campaign.