The Big Fight: Father’s strength vs Star power

Speaking to DT Next, Karunaas explained how DMDK, which contested here in alliance with AIADMK had equal opportunity to win. “In the last assembly election, there was an independent candidate by the same name of DMDK candidate and he got over 1,000 votes. Had his name been different, DMDK would have easily won.” he said. 

Taking a dig at DMK candidate Thivakaran, he said, “It is a clear indication as to how the DMK’s family politics have spread to the districts. People are aware of it and will vote for me, making my victory certain,” he added. O

n the other hand, DMK candidate Thivakaran is not as popular as his father Suba Thangavelan, also the sitting MLA of Thiruvadanai, and would surely need the latter’s support. The constituency has the majority of electorate belonging to Mukkulathor community and Dalits, besides Muslims, Nadars, Udayars and Vellalars. 

Since some areas like SP Pattinam and Thondi are coastal areas, the candidates should strive hard to woo the fishing community. “Since John Pandian from Thamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam is also facing election, the Dalit vote bank may split. So, the candidates from AIADMK and DMK should reach out to the people with their poll promises,” said A Manivannan, a poll observe. 

Son of DMK strongman and sitting MLA Suba Thangavelan, Thivakaran is facing the election for the first time. While his field work in the last five years has made him familiar with the electorate here, his father’s experience too will add impetus to woo voters.

It’s the first election for this actor-turned-politician too. The leader of Mukkulathor Pulipadai was given an AIADMK ticket much to his own surprise after he called on CM J Jayalalithaa. Not a seasoned politician, it is widely believed that he will still attract electorate from all communities.