J. Anbazhagan
J. Anbazhagan, sitting MLA of Chepauk-Triplicane constituency, has been fielded again by DMK to retain the prestigious seat, where DMK chief M. Karunanidhi won three times. He was elected from T. Nagar constituency in 2001. To his bad luck, he usually wins whenever DMK loses power.
Enjoys good camaraderie with DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin. Besides politics, he had also distributed a couple of Tamil movies. He has been announcing special schemes for Triplicane and upgradation of Marina to world-class beach status.
Strengths: DMK’s strong man in Chennai and as party district secretary he can make the district unit to focus on Chepauk - Triplicane constituency. The financially strong politician is also a tech savvy person. He ensures his Facebook account and twitter handle are used to connect with youngsters and party workers.
Weaknesses: At times, loses connect with cadres due to his senior position in party, but stays connected with the public. With AIADMK directly fielding A. Noor Jahan as its candidate, the incumbent MLA will have a tough fight.
A. Noor Jahan
A. Noor Jahan is a no-nonsense Chennai Corporation councillor and enjoys a clean image. A platform speaker blessed with good oratorical skills.
Strengths: Easily accessible and leads a simple life. Being a diehard fan of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa and as a team player, she hardly faces any dissent within the party and enjoys support from her colleagues.
Weaknesses: A novice when it comes to Assembly. Financially weak candidate and the party has to rally behind her for victory. Being a Muslim woman, she can campaign and woo women voters of the community.
X - Factor: Chepauk - Triplicane which comprises a large chunk of Muslim and middle class voters had always been a DMK bastion, but the winning margin was always narrow.
(Compiled by C.S. Kotteswaran)
