Chennai
Thanks to the Namakku Naamey programme that endeared him to the masses of the state and his early start of campaigning in the constituency, he has an advantage. While DMK will throw its full weight behind party treasurer Stalin in ensuring his victory, the same cannot be expected for his opponent JCD Prabhakar, who is a new face to the constituency. Unrelenting AIADMK functionaries flaunt the results of 2011 and warned that it would not be a cakewalk for Stalin. “It was a close fight last time and there is no room for speculating the results will be in Stalin’s favour,” they argued. Claiming that JCD Prabhakar is not a novice, the AIADMK poll managers praised the acumen of their leader in fielding him opposite to Stalin. However, there is no discounting the popularity of Stalin, whose achievements as Chennai Corporation Mayor between 1996 and 2001, are still talked about across the city and in the Kolathur constituency. Though the DMDK, PMK and BJP have fielded their candidates in this star constituency, it is evident that the big fight is going to be only between the arch rivals DMK and AIADMK. The constituency has seen rapid infrastructure development during the last five years but has also its quota of needs in the form of inadequate storm water drains, encroachments of smaller water bodies and traffic congestion. Kolathur is home to many sellers of ornamental fish, aquarium makers and breeders also looks for widening the School Road, the hub of ornamental fish trading. While the DMK cadre are hoping to ensure victory by a huge margin, AIADMK cadre are confident that they will be able to give a stiff fight.
M K Stalin
DMK Needs no introduction among the voters in the constituency. Prior to contesting from this seat, the DMK treasurer’s favourite constituency was Thousand Lights. His services as Chennai Mayor will work in his favour to a great extent. Further, the MLA office he opened for voters to easily access him has also come under praise. Several measures he carried out as an MLA in Kolathur are expected to brighten chances of victory in this seat.
JCD Prabhakar
AIADMK The AIADMK strongman and sitting Villivakkam MLA, will have to work hard against the DMK heavyweight. He has been handpicked by the AIADMK high command to give a tough fight to Stalin. The field work of Saidai Duraisamy in the last elections is expected to help him this time too. Known for his good rapport with party cadre, Prabhakar is assured of full support from the party’s local unit, which increases his prospects of victory here.
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