The historical Pallavaram constituency, which has a long history dating back to Paleolithic age, suffers perennial civic problems including pending underground drainage network and lack of zero waste centre. The locality that has elected MLAs from both AIADMK and DMK is now witnessing a direct fight between the two parties.
AIADMK - C.R. Saraswathi
The ruling AIADMK has fielded party spokesperson C. R. Sarasawthi and is confident of retaining the seat now represented by P. Dhansingh.
Strengths: Being a statelevel office-bearer, Saraswathi commands over the grassroot cadres in the area and her speech targeting the DMK and the 2G scam is a hit among local public.
Weaknesses: Local AIADMK heavy weights are sulking over the candidature of Sarasawthi and fear that if she wins the constituency she may retain seat creating a dent in their political future. Despite her popularity she faces dissent within the party and is treated as an outsider.
DMK - E. Karunanidhi
The DMK has fielded its former municipal chairman Karunanidhi and the seat was awarded to the candidate by DMK leader M. Karunanidhi.
Strengths: Being a local resident and a former municipal chairman Karunanidhi gives poll assurance focusing local issues.
Weaknesses: Lacks popularity and stature to counter Saraswathi. He also faces dissent within the party and lacks any ideological background.
MDMK - Veeralakshmi
PWA has allotted the seat to Veeralakshmi who recently floated a small time pro Tamil outfit Tamilar Munnetra Padai. She has been campaigning against state run liquor outlets and has been arrested for protests.
Strengths: Campaigns too hard and focuses more on women voters. Her campaign is focused on liquor prohibition and corrupt free governance targeting both AIADMK and DMK.
Weaknesses: Contesting as an alliance partner with PWA, she lacks the political network and executives to manage her campaign. Lacks the stature to take on the Dravidian majors.
(Compiled by C.S. Kotteswaran)
