Tamil Nadu election 2026: Residents block DMK candidate’s entry into village near Gobichettipalayam

Residents of Kongarpalayam village near T.N. Palayam in Erode district, on Tuesday (April 7, 2026), blocked the campaign vehicle the DMK candidate and prevented him from entering the village, forcing him to leave the spot.

N. Nallasivam, district secretary of the DMK and the party’s candidate in the Gobichettipalayam Assembly constituency, was on a campaign trail in the region when he attempted to visit the village for canvassing.

Villagers, who had earlier resolved to boycott the upcoming Assembly election, had put up banners at prominent places stating that no political party should enter the village for vote-seeking.

The boycott decision follows prolonged protests by residents against the extraction of water through borewells from private land near the Gunderipallam reservoir. The villagers alleged that, despite repeated agitations, no effective steps had been taken to stop the water being drawn and that no political party had extended support to their cause.

N. Nallasivam, DMKs candidate for the Gobichettipalayam Assembly constituency in Erode district
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Special Arrangement

When Mr. Nallasivam arrived along with party functionaries, a group of villagers surrounded the vehicle and objected to his entry, insisting that campaigning was not permitted in the village. A DMK functionary told the residents that the party had supported their protest against the water extraction. However, the villagers maintained that they had not received any support from the government.

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Special Arrangement

After a brief standoff, the candidate and his team turned back without entering Kongarpalayam. The incident triggered tension in the area, as residents enforced their boycott decision by stopping the ruling party candidate’s campaign.