The sun was already unforgiving at 9 a.m. in Virudhunagar on April 5. Those who attended the election rally of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, the star campaigner of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, were sweating profusely. Mr. Stalin delivered a tightly structured address, winding up in just about 30 minutes.

In a clear departure from the past—when local leaders and candidates would speak before the party leader addressed the gathering—this time, Mr. Stalin spoke alone, following only a brief introduction by the local minister or district secretary. He highlighted the overall achievements of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government and outlined schemes implemented in the district before introducing the candidates.