Celebrate victory at home, Stalin urges all parties

DMK president MK Stalin on Friday asked his party workers to remain indoors and track poll counting through the media on Sunday, May 2, when the EVMs of the April 6 Assembly elections would be opened.

In his appeal to all party workers, Stalin said that he was rattled by the reports about patients suffering due to lack of oxygen and hospital beds. “I earnestly appeal to you not to get infected by converging at counting centers or gathering for celebration as favourable news about the results emerge. It will be appropriate to remain at home, track counting developments through the media and celebrate at home,” said Stalin, in a statement issued a day after almost all exit poll surveys predicted a decisive victory ranging from 160 to 190 seats for the DMK-led alliance.

“I sincerely request not just the DMK members, but other party workers to understand that protecting the lives of party workers and saving people of Tamil Nadu from getting infected is my prime intention. Let the streets be deserted and hearts brim with joy,” the DMK chief added.

Exit poll predictions of most news agencies and pollsters suggested that the DMK would comfortably form government on its own. One exit poll survey conducted by a renowned media house in the north put the tally of the DMK-led alliance at around 200 seats, prompting the party workers to rejoice.

A few DMK functionaries who took comfort in many predictions suggesting a 10 per cent vote difference between the DMK and the AIADMK-led alliance said the predictions were conservative and they would realise the 200 seat victory claimed by Stalin during the campaign.

I sincerely request not just DMK members, but other party workers to understand that protecting the lives of party workers and saving people of Tamil Nadu from getting infected is my prime intention. Let the streets be deserted and hearts brim with joy

MK Stalin, DMK president