TVK President Vijay Zeroes In on Chennai Constituencies for Assembly Polls
In a significant development for Tamil Nadu politics, senior leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), including its prominent president Vijay, are actively preparing to contest in key assembly constituencies within and around Chennai. This strategic move follows extensive internal deliberations and survey data indicating a strong electoral advantage for the party in the capital region.
Vijay's Constituency Shortlist Narrows to Velachery and Virugambakkam
Party insiders have revealed that Vijay initially considered five potential constituencies: Velachery and Virugambakkam in Chennai, Vikravandi (where TVK held its inaugural conference), Nagapattinam, and Trichy East. However, the selection has now been refined to Velachery and Virugambakkam, primarily due to the sentimental attachment to the letter 'V' that aligns with Vijay's name and the party's identity.
Internal discussions have also explored the possibility of Vijay contesting from two constituencies. If this dual-candidacy strategy materializes, Trichy East is emerging as the likely second preference. TVK leaders view Trichy East as particularly suitable for Vijay because of its substantial minority population, which could bolster his electoral prospects.
Internal Surveys Drive Shift Towards Chennai Focus
Early preferences among other TVK leaders were distributed across various regions of Tamil Nadu, but recent internal surveys have prompted a notable pivot towards Chennai. According to party sources, these surveys project TVK securing a vote share of 25% to 30% in at least 10 to 12 constituencies within the city. "This percentage could potentially exceed 40% as the election campaign gains momentum and intensifies," claimed a senior TVK leader, highlighting growing confidence in the party's urban appeal.
Reflecting this strategic realignment, several key TVK figures are adjusting their electoral plans:
- Election campaign management general secretary Aadhav Arjuna, who previously considered Kallakurichi, is now evaluating Tiruvallur as a potential constituency.
- Joint general secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar, who initially expressed interest in Usilampatti in Madurai district, is currently eyeing Perambur in Chennai.
- Two former AIADMK leaders, J C D Prabhakar and V S Babu, are likely to seek nominations for Villivakkam, Egmore, or Thiru Vi Ka Nagar seats in Chennai.
Not All Top Leaders Targeting Chennai Seats
Despite the concentrated focus on Chennai, TVK leaders confirm that not all senior members are aiming for constituencies in the capital. Some prominent figures remain committed to contesting from their native regions or other areas:
- Chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan is firmly set on contesting from Gobichettipalayam.
- Propaganda secretary Arun Raj has been actively preparing the ground in Tiruchengode within Namakkal district.
- General secretary N Anand is considering Cuddalore, which is situated near the Puducherry border.
- Marie Wilson, a relative of the noted educationist Jeppiar, is eyeing Colachel in southern Tamil Nadu.
- Dentist T K Prabhu is expected to contest from Sivaganga.
This diversified approach underscores TVK's broader strategy to establish a strong presence across Tamil Nadu while capitalizing on perceived advantages in Chennai. The party's evolving candidate selection process reflects a careful balance between regional loyalty and strategic electoral calculations, setting the stage for a dynamic contest in the upcoming assembly elections.
