As smaller parties line up behind the Dravidian majors, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the opposition, All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, have left 21 constituencies in the April 23 assembly election for their allies to contest directly against each other, allowing them to test their strength in their respective strongholds.
These smaller parties, split between the two major alliances—the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by the DMK and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—will have the backing of the Dravidian majors. However, they are expected to prove their independent influence among voters in the constituencies they are contesting.
Former filmmaker Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi and actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam are contesting all 234 constituencies independently, relying heavily on their leaders’ appeal.
Also read: TN polls: BJP candidate list out; Annamalai's name not on it
Meanwhile, arch-rivals DMK and AIADMK are set for a direct contest in 121 constituencies. Among alliance battles, the Indian National Congress will face the Pattali Makkal Katchi (NDA) in Sholinghur, Pennagaram and Mayiladuthurai. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (SPA) will take on its former ally PMK in Dharmapuri, Polur, Salem (West), and Virudhachalam. Another DMK ally, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, will face PMK in Kattumannarkoil and Tiruporur.
The Congress is also set to battle the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (NDA) in Udhagamandalam, Aranthangi, Vilavancode, Killiyoor and Colachel. The Left parties will take on the BJP in Gandharvakottai, Padmanabhapuram, Thalli and Kilvelur.
In other contests, the Congress will challenge the AMMK in Karaikudi and Nanguneri, while the VCK will face the AMMK in Periyakulam.
The DMK, which heads the SPA, is contesting 175 seats, while the AIADMK is fielding candidates in 169 constituencies.
Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase across all 234 Assembly constituencies on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Follow us
