AIADMK Legislators Ramp Up Pre-Election Activities Ahead of Candidate Announcement
As the AIADMK prepares to unveil its candidate list on February 24, coinciding with former party supremo J Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary, numerous sitting MLAs across Tamil Nadu have intensified their groundwork for the upcoming polls. These legislators, many considered frontrunners for renomination, are deploying a range of strategies to consolidate their voter bases.
Western Region MLAs Lead with Aggressive Outreach
In the western districts of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK MLAs have adopted a proactive approach, combining community engagement with targeted welfare measures. Party insiders indicate that approximately 45 sitting MLAs, including former ministers and influential figures, are likely to secure renomination from this region.
"Except for three or four MLAs in the western region, most will be renominated. Many have started distributing gifts to households," revealed a senior AIADMK functionary, highlighting the widespread preparatory activities.
The outreach initiatives are multifaceted:
- Financial Inclusion Programs: Several MLAs are facilitating the opening of bank accounts for families and promoting small-savings schemes like the Selva Magal Semippu Thittam for young girls.
- Community Events: Organizing cash-heavy sports meets, Pongal celebrations, and jallikattu events to engage diverse demographic groups.
- Household-Centric Measures: Distributing gifts ranging from kitchenware to other essentials, with some MLAs planning to cover tens of thousands of families in their constituencies.
Notable Examples from Western Constituencies
In Pappireddipatti, MLA A Govindasamy has facilitated the opening of over 1,500 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts and aims to add another 1,200. His efforts extend to organizing rangoli competitions for women and cricket and kabaddi tournaments to attract youth participation.
Similar exercises are underway in constituencies like Singanallur, Perundurai, and various parts of Salem. One sitting MLA from a western district disclosed, "I am giving hot boxes, flasks and other kitchenware worth Rs 500 to households. I have planned to cover 50,000 families in the constituency." He added that some colleagues are distributing gifts exceeding Rs 1,000 per family.
Contrasting Approaches in Southern and Delta Regions
While western region MLAs are aggressively campaigning, the scenario differs markedly in southern and delta areas. Many AIADMK legislators here are adopting a cautious, wait-and-watch stance, hesitant to invest resources before clarity emerges on seat-sharing arrangements.
The political landscape in these regions is complicated by T T V Dhinakaran's AMMK staking claims for seats, creating uncertainty. AIADMK aspirants in these areas indicate they will commence campaign activities only after seat allocation is finalized.
"Unlike the western region, MLAs in Madurai and the southern districts are cautious. With multiple players eyeing the same constituencies, only senior leaders are assured of tickets," explained another senior AIADMK functionary.
Exceptions and Emerging Dynamics
Despite the general caution in southern regions, exceptions exist. In the Nilakottai assembly segment, both AIADMK and BJP aspirants have initiated campaign work, each vying for the seat, indicating localized competitive dynamics.
This regional disparity in campaign intensity underscores the strategic calculations within the AIADMK as it navigates alliance politics and internal assessments ahead of candidate finalization.
The party's approach reflects a blend of confidence in western strongholds and prudence in contested southern and delta zones, setting the stage for a differentiated electoral strategy across Tamil Nadu.
