Chennai: It is conspicuous by traffic snarls, dense population, where garbage flows freely than water, and a segment of this North Chennai Lok Sabha constituency which is historically associated with the founding of the East India Company factory in Madraspatnam, is the R. K. Nagar Assembly constituency that became infamous for bribing voters.
This LS seat had returned DMK ten times and in 2014 general election, AIADMK's Venkatesa Babu ruined its fortunes and romped home the winner. The two major contenders this time — DMK's Dr. Kalanidhi Veerasamy who is son for former DMK Minister Arcot Veerasamy and DMDK's former lawmaker Alagaapuram R. Mohanraj are fighting it out promising more civic amenities for the residents. Makkal Needhi Maiam's candidate A.G. Mourya, a retired IPS officer, is also in the fray.
Mohan Raj, who relocated from Salem North Constituency, says he would address the water scarcity and fishermen issues in this constituency. "I know the pulse of the people as I had worked in the North Chennai Lok Sabha constituency before," he says. This constituency is no longer the DMK's stronghold as AIADMK's T. G. Venkatesh Babu had decimated the DMK in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "The AIADMK's victory indicates what's in people's minds," he said and expressed that the strong cadre force of the AIADMK combine would ensure his victory.
Greenhorn in electoral battles Dr Kalanidhi claims that fisheries minister had done precious little for the people especially those in Royapuram. He would strive to establish schools, colleges besides hospitals in the constituency and also improve the infrastructure. Kalanidhi who owns a hospital has been given a post in the party's medical wing last year.
The fishers have been demanding the Ennore estuary be deepened to have the mouth open for free flow of water. And several areas, like Kasimedu depend on tanker water and also experience frequent power outages.
North Chennai LS constituency comprises of Thiruvottiyur, Dr. R. K. Nagar, Perambur, Kolathur, Royapuram, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar and Madhavaram Assembly constituencies. Totally there are 23 candidates in fray for this April 18 election. The constituency accounts for 14,87,461 voters including 7,28,679 men, 7,58,326 women and 456 third gender.
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