On Monday, Arjunan submitted a complaint against DMK candidate Senthil Balaji to the District Collector and District Election Officer Pavan Kumar. He stated such practices were occurring not only in Coimbatore South but also in Coimbatore North and other constituencies contested by DMK candidates.

Describing the election atmosphere as tense, Arjunan said voters were being “detained like cattle” in multiple locations and questioned who would take responsibility if any untoward incident arose. He alleged that approximately five tents had been established in a single division, housing nearly 300 people each, who were provided with food and money to influence their votes.

He criticised the conduct of these activities in a metropolitan city and urged authorities to ensure voter safety and dismantle the camps immediately. Arjunan added that such incidents had never been witnessed in Coimbatore since elections began there in 1957.

Further allegations included claims that police were acting in favour of the ruling party, with complainants being questioned, and that one woman withdrew her complaint out of fear following threats from DMK members. He asserted that the DMK was acting out of fear of defeat and warned these actions could lead to the party losing even their deposit.

Emphasising his faith in the democratic process, Arjunan stated, “Our party would win through fair means and had no intention of seeking a halt to the election process. DMK is attempting to influence voters through money and false promises, and people would not succumb to such tactics. I will win by a significant margin in Coimbatore. If election officials failed to take appropriate action, I would consult party leadership and launch further protests.”

He also dismissed social media posts predicting his defeat, claiming these narratives stemmed from fear. Arjunan challenged critics to campaign alongside him and expressed confidence that voters would recognise his victory in Coimbatore.

Questioning the neutrality of the Election Commission, he asked why such alleged practices were being allowed and claimed landowners were being threatened to facilitate the enclosures. Arjunan expressed sympathy for DMK cadre in Coimbatore and alleged independent candidates were being “imported” from other districts.

He expressed confidence that the electorate would support candidates who work hard and uphold democratic values, stating, “money power has never won in history.”

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold polls in a single phase on April 23, with vote counting set for May 4.