Key Electoral Battle: Three-way race pits former Governor against sitting MP and AIADMK ex-MP in South Chennai

The South Chennai Lok Sabha constituency, renowned for its illustrious political history, has seen the election of notable figures such as TT Krishnamachari (1957), DMK founder C N Annadurai (1967), Murasoli Maran (1967, 1977), former President of India R Venkataraman (1977, 1980, 1984), actress and Bharatanatyam dancer Vyjayanthimala Bali, TR Baalu (1996, 1992, 1999, 2004), among others.

Following the 2009 segment redraw, the constituency now comprises Mylapore, T Nagar, Saidapet, Virugambakkam, Velacherry, and Sholinganallur assembly segments, with a total electorate of 20.23 lakhs and 1,892 voting centers.

Despite its political significance, South Chennai has faced considerable challenges, particularly during floods, with water taking a week or ten days to recede. Traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental concerns such as the demand for the restoration of the Pallikaranai marshland and reclamation of the Perungudi dump yard have plagued the area.

The recent expansion into Greater Chennai Corporation limits has exacerbated the situation, with residents clamoring for basic amenities like piped drinking water, underground sewage and drainage systems, and improved road infrastructure.

South Chennai stands out as a unique constituency boasting a blend of urban and rural areas, featuring a mix of industries, agricultural activities, and a thriving IT sector. With a significant Brahmin population primarily concentrated in areas like T Nagar, West Mambalam, Mylapore, Virugambakkam, and Velacherry, the constituency also hosts a large number of IT professionals, particularly in Velacherry, Taramani, Sholinganallur, and T Nagar.

Tamil Isai Soundararajan, a renowned gynecologist and former head of the Tamil Nadu BJP, has entered the political fray by contesting from South Chennai. Previously serving as Governor of Telangana and later assuming an additional role as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry following the resignation of Kiran Bedi, Soundararajan has resigned from her gubernatorial positions to test her political fortunes in South Chennai. In the last Lok Sabha elections, she contested against DMK’s Kanimozhi but faced defeat.

Soundararajan’s electoral strategy hinged on garnering BJP support, leveraging the Union Government’s welfare projects, and securing a significant portion of Brahmin votes. Additionally, she aims to appeal to Sanatana and Hindu voters, capitalise on anti-DMK sentiment, and emphasise her accessibility to constituents.

Reflecting on her candidacy, Soundararajan expressed determination, stating, “In 2019, my first choice was this constituency.” She remains confident in her ability to secure victory, banking on a combination of political alliances, public support, and strategic messaging. Tamil Isai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, is optimistic about her electoral prospects in South Chennai. Reflecting on her previous electoral experiences, Soundararajan noted that despite contesting from Thoothukudi in the 2019 polls, she faced a tough fight after the constituency was allotted to AIADMK candidate Jayavardhan.

Soundararajan believes that the traditional Dravidian mindset is gradually waning, evidenced by the diminishing opposition against controversial issues such as NEET, Neutrino, and hydrocarbon projects. She expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to Tamil Nadu, citing his special attention to the state’s welfare.

Asserting her readiness for the upcoming polls, Soundararajan highlighted the positive response she has received from the public and the support of alliance parties. She expressed conviction in her ability to secure victory, citing her track record, clean image, and commitment to inclusive governance.

Soundararajan criticised the opposition DMK and Congress parties for their perceived divisive politics, particularly their focus on minority appeasement. She emphasised the awakening of Hindu sentiment and the importance of addressing issues affecting the majority community.

Drawing on her familial political legacy, Soundararajan highlighted her father, Kumari Anandhan’s, tenure as a Congress MP and his reputation as a skilled orator. She positioned herself as a candidate committed to upholding integrity and representing the interests of all constituents, irrespective of caste or creed.

Thamizhachi Thangapandian, daughter of senior DMK functionary Thangapandian and sister of Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, is vying for reelection in the South Chennai constituency. Facing scrutiny from voters during her canvassing efforts, she is being questioned about her track record in serving constituents.

Opposing Thangapandian is AIADMK nominee J Jayavardhan, son of former Minister D Jayakumar, who lost to Thangapandian in the 2019 elections. Previously elected in 2014, Jayavardhan aims to regain the seat lost in the last election.

Thangapandian’s candidate puts DMK’s Dravidian model governance to the test, with voters closely monitoring her performance and commitments. Having transitioned from academia to politics by joining the DMK, Thangapandian won her maiden election in 2019. However, she faces criticism for allegedly neglecting flood-hit areas and failing to provide assistance or rescue measures.

Jayavardhan, representing AIADMK, seeks to capitalise on the Two Leaves symbol and the prevailing anti-incumbency mood among voters. This election marks AIADMK’s first electoral test under the leadership of Edapadi K Palaniswamy, who was appointed general secretary, a move that denied his rival O Panneerselvam a similar position.

In the recent 2021 Corporation polls, AIADMK secured victory in the Sholinganallur IT hub, showcasing its electoral prowess in crucial areas. Both AIADMK and DMK boast significant voter bases, with DMK benefiting from strong alliance support and dedicated party workers.

However, AIADMK faces challenges due to the absence of charismatic leaders and must rely on its organizational structure and strategic acumen to compete effectively. Notably, the emergence of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in the electoral fray adds another dimension, as the party seeks to secure recognition through symbols like the microphone, following the loss of its farmer symbol due to registration issues.