Advocate P. Thayagam Kavi
As a grass root worker joined the party and got elevated through DMK youth wing. Studied in corporation school, graduated from Nandanam government arts college and completed law degree in Dr Ambedkar government law college.
Strengths: Handpicked by DMK treasurer M. K. Stalin advocate Kavi is also an office-bearer of DMK's powerful youth wing. Maintains cordial relationship with party functionaries and easily accessible. Active in Facebook and social media.
Weaknesses: The candidate is new to constituency and caries the tag of outsider. Faces dissent within DMK old timers, who were eying the reserved constituency. Financially cannot match the stature of AIADMK's Neelakandan.
V. Neelakandan
The ruling AIADMK has fielded sitting MLA V. Neelakandan who trounced the congress candidate in 2011 polls by a margin of 29,000 votes. Earlier, he had contested unsuccessfully from Perambur and Egmore seats..
Strengths: Neelakandan a granite exporter has been in politics for over three decades and often donates funds to temples, churches and slum pockets in north Chennai. A popular politician among local public and a good political organiser.
Weaknesses: - Modernisation of Perambur slaughter house has created tension among local voters. As a sitting MLA might face anti incumbency.
P. Suganthi
The CPI (M) has fielded 48-year-old P. Suganthi in the labour-dominated constituency and is confident of consolidating votes.
Strengths: She has actively participated in state wide campaigns seeking closure of Tasmac shops through CPI(M) women's wing and same team is now gearing up for the campaign. The candidate who holds a master's degree is easily accessible.
Weaknesses: New to constituency and not a seasoned politician. Has to take on the local heavy weight and incumbent MLA Neelakandan.
X - Factor: Consists residential areas of economically weaker
sections like Sathyavanimuthu Nagar, Pulianthope, Kosapet and Pattalam.
The constituency had witnessed political swings in the last Lok Sabha, civic and Assembly polls.
(Compiled by C.S. Kotteswaran)
