Polling for the 234-seat strong Tamil Nadu Assembly will be held in a single phase on April 6 and the votes will be counted on May 2. The battle has always been majorly between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), however, this year, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is emerging as a key challenger to both the parties. 

AIADMK is currently in power in the state with 135 seats while DMK is the main Opposition party with 88 seats. In order to form a government in the state, a party or coalition has to win 118 seats. While DMK and Congress will be contesting together, Bharatiya Janata Party and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will be challenging them. 

The campaign trail of all the parties offered a lot of drama. This included name-calling and making some derogatory remarks.

With election just a day away, here is a look at some controversial and important statements made during the campaigning in the state – 

BJP leaders called DMK and Congress “corrupt” 

BJP chief J P Nadda said that DMK and Congress are ‘synonymous’ with corruption. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the DMK-Congress alliance over “corruption and dynasty”.

DMK leader A Raja‘s derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami

While addressing a rally on March 28, DMK leader A Raja said that Palaniswami was “born out of an illicit relationship and through a premature delivery.” This remark created quite a stir with several BJP and AIADMK leaders slamming Raja for the “disgusting” remarks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too attacked the DMK and Congress, accusing their leaders of “insulting women.” 

Kamal Haasan to quit cinema?

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that he was ready to quit cinema if it becomes a hurdle to serving people. 

“I will finish all my present assignments and quit films, if they become a hurdle to my political career,” he said.