North Chennai Lok Sabha Constituency is gearing up for a high-stakes battle as it prepares to face a three-cornered fight between the major political players in the upcoming elections. With its densely populated neighbourhoods, industrial presence, and persistent pollution issues, the constituency presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the contenders.
Sitting MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, representing the DMK, is seeking re-election, banking heavily on his track record and the party’s historical dominance in the region. Son of veteran DMK leader Arcot N Veeraswamy, Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, a plastic surgeon by profession, is emphasising his five years of achievements and the party’s past electoral successes as key factors in securing victory.
Challenging Veeraswamy are Royapuram Mano of the AIADMK and RC Paul Kanagaraj of the BJP. Mano, a former two-time Congress councillor who later switched allegiance to the AIADMK, brings his local political experience to the forefront. Kanagaraj, on the other hand, boasts a background in law and advocacy, serving as the former president of the Madras High Court Advocates Association and the BJP legal wing president.
Both the AIADMK and the BJP are capitalising on anti-establishment sentiments and dissatisfaction with the DMK’s performance in delivering on poll promises, including issues like providing financial assistance to women heads of families and addressing pollution concerns stemming from industrial activities. The BJP, positioning itself as an alternative, aims to leverage support for Prime Minister Modi and its track record of corruption-free governance.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK is banking on its strong presence in North Chennai and the potential division of votes in the three-way contest to gain an edge. The constituency’s predominantly working-class demographic, comprising both blue and white-collar workers, adds further complexity to the electoral dynamics.
Paul Kanagaraj, representing the BJP, has launched scathing attacks on his opponent, Kalanidhi Veeraswamy of the DMK, accusing him of securing his candidature solely due to his familial connections rather than merit. Kanagaraj has raised concerns about dynastic politics within the DMK, alleging that Veeraswamy’s candidature is a result of nepotism rather than genuine qualifications. Furthermore, Kanagaraj has criticised the DMK for allegedly receiving funds from undisclosed sources and has called for transparency regarding the utilisation of government funds, particularly in flood mitigation efforts.
Asserting his confidence in the BJP’s grassroots strength and the potential for change, Kanagaraj has pledged to address key issues facing the constituency, including pollution and youth unemployment. He emphasises the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders and proposes the formation of a panel comprising elected representatives to tackle environmental challenges.
In response, Kalanidhi Veeraswamy has defended his candidature, highlighting his efforts to address pollution issues and improve infrastructure in the constituency. He points to ongoing initiatives, such as advocating for the closure of polluting industries and pushing for better drainage systems, as evidence of his commitment to serving the community. Veeraswamy dismisses Kanagaraj’s accusations of dynastic politics and asserts that the DMK’s track record of delivering on its promises will secure victory in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, AIADMK candidate Royapuram Mano has also entered the fray, focusing on the failures of both the DMK and BJP. Mano criticises Veeraswamy’s tenure as MP, questioning his effectiveness in addressing local concerns and accusing the DMK of mismanagement during last year’s floods. He pledges to bring new facilities, such as stadiums and hospitals, to the area and promises to prioritise the development of infrastructure and services.
The electoral landscape in Tamil Nadu reflects a broader trend of disillusionment with established political parties, with incumbents facing scrutiny for their performance over the past five years. Minority communities, including Muslims, are increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with traditional parties, leading to shifts in voting patterns and alliances.
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