Not new to politics or North Chennai, says Kalanidhi

I may be a newcomer to elections, but my family is not new to politics. My father Arcot Veerasamy, uncle and cousins have been active in politics all along. Also, I am not even facing our arch rival AIADMK. Votes of the DMDK, whose candidate I will be facing, have been eroding. Luckily, we also have a by-election in the neighbourhood. The AIADMK is busy focussing only on Perambur bypoll and hence it has allotted both Central and North Chennai to allies.

I believe the AIADMK is engrossed in mobilising support in Perambur. More than that, people are fed up with the AIADMK and BJP, at least in the state. There is no logic behind the alliance. It would have been logical for the DMDK and PMK to join our alliance. People are going to show their anger towards the govt and the parties which joined it.

I studied in Stanley Medical College. I have been practising in RK Nagar for 15 years. As a doctor I have seen and heard the issues from people personally. When I start my road trips, I will discuss it with the voters directly. Also, each Assembly constituency in North Chennai has issues of its own. We must look at ways to relocate people and provide amenities. Criminal activities have been a little on the higher side and abuse of drugs must be checked. I am not blaming any government for this. I should see how much I can do to solve the problems.

We do not feel Kalaignar’s absence. We still feel he is around. Also, we have a charismatic leader in MK Stalin, who has emerged stronger in the state. Whereas, I cannot say the same thing about the AIADMK, which is a double-headed monster. Though Jayalalithaa was our opponent, she was no enemy. I personally appreciate her for not allowing NEET and UDAY to come to TN.

No. We have released a manifesto detailing our vision for the state. We have even released a constituency-specific manifesto for the bypolls. We are highlighting the failures of AIADMK because the existence of people will become questionable if the AIADMK and BJP continue in power. No human being will tolerate this govt’s attempt to cover up a Pollachi like issue and Gutkha scam.

I have been working with the party for over 10 years. I am proud of people associating me with my father’s good work. If the party had found an alternative candidate who would outperform me, they would have picked him. If it were for my father, why would the leadership denied ticket when I sought Anna Nagar seat in last Assembly poll.

We have been informed that Rs 70 lakh was the limit. I make quite well as a doctor. Spending the stipulated sum (Rs 70 lakh) is not an issue. I will stick to it.