Salem and Tirupattur witnessed back-to-back political conferences this weekend, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) holding its event on Friday in Salem, followed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) conference on Saturday in Thirupathur. While both parties aimed to mobilize supporters and project their political vision, the contrast in organization and execution was clearly visible.
The TVK conference in Salem was overshadowed by tragedy, when a 37-year-old man named Suraj, a worker from Maharashtra, collapsed and died at the venue and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police said preliminary enquiries pointed to fainting and a heart attack, possibly linked to dehydration in the heat, as contributing factors.
The incident reignited political debate, drawing sharp criticism from rival parties about crowd management and basic amenities. TVK cadre and leaders highlighted that medical aid and first-aid teams were present, and said the death was due to pre-existing health conditions rather than organisational failure. However, critics, including opposition leaders, publicly questioned whether adequate shelter, water, and shade had been provided given Tamil Nadu’s intense midday heat.
The concern was further intensified by memories of the 2025 Karur tragedy, where a rally organised by TVK president and actor Vijay in Veluswamypuram, claimed the lives of 41 people, including women, men and children.
In stark contrast, the DMK’s conference in Tirupattur on Saturday was widely seen as well-coordinated and prepared. Reports and visuals from the ground show that the DMK organised a booth agents training meet with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in attendance, with structured programmes and clear roles for volunteers throughout the day.
Unlike the more loosely organized operations seen at the TVK venue, the DMK event included systematic support for attendees, like organisers arranged designated water points and shaded resting zones, as seen in videos shared by local media and social platforms, where volunteers distributed refreshments and guided participants calmly.
Party officials also ensured discipline in programme flow, with clear schedules and orderly seating, reducing confusion and long waiting times even as senior leaders delivered speeches and guidance to booth-level workers.
Political analysts noted that in a state gearing up for elections, such meticulous execution not only safeguards attendees’ comfort and safety but also reflects a methodical organisational culture that resonates with voters and boosts a party’s governance image. Even some commentators acknowledged that successful execution of food, water and health logistics at large gatherings is a benchmark for administrative readiness, an area where the DMK’s approach stood out this weekend.
While the TVK conference revealed vulnerabilities in event management and was marred by an avoidable fatality, the DMK’s Thirupathur conference demonstrated strong planning, abundant basic amenities, and professional crowd coordination, leaving a lasting impression of orderly conduct and people-centric organisation.
– Magizh
