Tamil Nadu polls: DMK, AIADMK leave allies in direct duel in 21 seats

Chennai: As smaller parties rally behind the Dravidian majors, the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have allowed their allies to fight a direct duel in 21 constituencies in the April 23 Assembly elections to prove their strength in their respective strongholds.

These smaller parties, split into two major combines – SPA (under DMK) and AIADMK-led NDA – will respectively have the support of Dravidian elders, but will eventually have to demonstrate their individual clout over voters in the seats they are contesting.

Former film director Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi and actor-politician Vijay-led TVK are in the fray in all 234 constituencies in the state but are contesting on their own. Both parties rely heavily on their respective leaders.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu polls: No caste, no communal clashes in TN unlike MK Stalin, BJP-ruled states

Arch rivals DMK and AIADMK are in direct competition in 121 constituencies.

Congress will fight PMK (NDA) in Sholinghur, Pennagaram, Mayiladuthurai; DMDK (SPA) will fight against its old ally PMK in Dharmapuri, Polur, Salem (West), Virudhachalam. Another ally of DMK that is. Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK is facing PMK in Kattumannarkoil and Tiruporur.
The Congress will take on the BJP and AMMK (NDA) in Udhagamandalam, Aranthangi, Vilavancode, Killiyoor and Colachel. Left parties will contest with BJP in Gandharvakottai, Padmanabhapuram, Thalli and Kilvelur. Congress will challenge AMMK in Karaikudi and Nanguneri and VCK will contest AMMK in Periyakulam.

While the DMK, led by the Secular Progressive Alliance, is contesting in 175 seats, the AIADMK is contesting in 169 constituencies.

Also Read: Stalin refrains from attacking Vijay on his home turf: Keeping the doors of post-election alliance open or signaling that TVK is not a threat yet?

Single-phase elections for 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and counting will be held on May 4.