The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Chennai): The South Chennai parliamentary seat, a hub for premier educational institutions and IT companies, is poised for a high-stakes electoral contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 19. The battlefield sees the ruling DMK’s incumbent MP T Sumathy (Tamizhachi Thangapandian) up against Tamilisai Soundararajan, a former Telangana Governor and BJP leader, and the AIADMK’s ex-MP Dr. J Jayavardhan, who emerged victorious in the 2014 elections.
Tamilisai Soundararajan, who resigned as governor earlier this week to re-enter the political fray with the BJP, is confident of her prospects, citing her four-decade-long residency in the constituency as a significant advantage. Meanwhile, Jayavardhan is highlighting his contributions to the constituency’s welfare during his tenure, focusing on improvements in health and railway services.
South Chennai, with a diverse electorate including IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, faces several challenges such as waterlogging during monsoon, erratic power supply, and the need for road improvements. The December 2023 floods, which severely disrupted normal life, are still fresh in the minds of the electorate, casting a shadow over incumbent Thangapandian’s campaign.
The constituency comprises six legislative assembly segments, with the DMK and its ally Congress holding sway, except for the Velachery segment represented by Congress. Historically, the DMK has dominated this seat, winning it five times, while the AIADMK has secured victories twice. The BJP, aiming to establish a stronger presence, finished in third place in the 2014 elections.
The 2019 polls saw Thangapandian defeat Jayavardhan by a significant margin, intensifying the competition in this star-studded contest. Political analyst Sumanth Raman suggests that the opposition votes might split between the AIADMK and BJP candidates, potentially benefiting the DMK nominee.
Local residents and political leaders are voicing their concerns and expectations, with TN BJP leader Amar Prasad Reddy expressing confidence in Tamilisai’s victory. Thangapandian, grateful for her nomination, has pledged to secure a consecutive term, engaging with senior party cadres and constituents.
South Chennai’s allure extends beyond politics, with its vibrant IT sector and burgeoning real estate market drawing significant investment. The constituency, with its strategic importance and dynamic electorate, promises an engaging electoral battle among the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP, reflecting broader political and social trends in Tamil Nadu.
