Ambattur is a new assembly constituency that emerged after the 2008 delimitation process and is added to the Sriperumbudur parliamentary constituency, coming under Tiruvallur district. Considered to be the western gateway for Chennai, the seat is now held by ruling AIADMK candidate S. Vedachalam who trounced DMK strongman B. Ranganathan by a margin of 22,000 votes in 2011 Assembly polls. The seat has 2,64,990 registered voters including 1,28,884 female voters.
AIADMK - V. Alexander
The ruling party has chosen the local resident Alexander to contest from its sitting seat. The green horn is popular among local residents.
Strengths: Enjoys the support of local party functionaries, as there is no major dissent. Being a candidate in early 40s is seen hyper active during campaign. Covers most of the area on foot. The DMK has given the seat to its ally Congress.
Weaknesses: The present AIADMK MLA Vedachalam faces anti incumbency and is also sulking with party candidate Alexander. Financially loses out to the Congress candidate Hasan Moulana, son of former Congress MP J. M. Haroon.
DMDK - J. Constantine Raveendran
The opposition DMDK has pitched in DMDK' teacher and graduate's wing state secretary, professor Raveendran, a local resident of Ambattur. The professor unsuccessfully contested in Central Chennai during the last 2014 Lok Sabha polls securing 14 per cent votes.
Strengths: With the Left party allying with DMDK and DMK allotting the seat to the Congress, Raveendran is confident this time.
Being a state level secretary Raveendran is able to get the party workers at his disposal.
Weaknesses: Lacks the stature to counter the ruling AIADMK candidate.
X - Factor: The constituency had always reflected in favour of political wave and lacks political heavyweights.
Compiled by C.S. Kotteswaran
