Sriperumbudur, one of the oldest constituencies in Kancheepuram and infamous for the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, has been a stronghold for the Congress. In the past 14 elections the national party has won seven times, DMK four times and AIADMK twice. Interestingly the constituency in its first maiden election in 1952 elected T. Shanmugham as an independent candidate and is seen as a highly urbanized constituency in Kancheepuram district.
Congress — T. Selvaperunthagai
The Congress, an ally of DMK, has fielded former MLA Selvaperunthagai in the reserve constituency. The BA graduate was earlier associated with VCK and later shifted loyalty to Congress.
Strengths: Being a former a legislator, the 56-year- old is now banking on the DMK's alliance. A strong confidant of Congress leader Chidambaram is seen hyperactive during the campaign.
Weaknesses: He has to take on the formidable AIADMK candidate K Palani.
PWA — M. Veerakumar
VCK which has allied with the DMDK has fielded M. Veerakumar, a green horn and a local resident.
Strengths: The party state level functionaries are camping in the constituency and have been assuring job opportunities for the unemployed youngsters in Sriperumbudur through door-to-door campaign.
Weaknesses: The party has to overtake the mighty AIADMK and the Congress candidate contesting in DMK alliance.
X - Factor – The constituency has majority of women voters and had always thrown better results for the Congress party. Closure of mobile major Nokia and a few companies are issues that may leave an impact on poll results.
(Compiled by C.S. Kotteswaran)
