Key Electoral Battle in Tamil Nadu: Friends turned foes to lock horns in Theni

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Theni district of Tamil Nadu are set to witness a high-profile contest, with the stage set for a showdown between political heavyweights. Theni Lok Sabha constituency, distinguished by its predominantly rural landscape, holds significance as a primarily agrarian region.

In the previous elections held in 2019, the AIADMK, as part of the NDA alliance, emerged victorious in this constituency. Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s son, O.P. Ravindranath, clinched the seat for the party. However, this time, the BJP-led NDA has allotted the seat to AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran, a seasoned politician who previously represented the constituency in 1999 under the AIADMK banner when it was known as Periyakulam. Dhinakaran’s opponent from the DMK camp is Thanga Tamilselvan, a former protégé of Dhinakaran.

The demographic composition of Theni constituency reflects a diverse mix of communities, with the Mukkulathor community holding a dominant presence. Additionally, the region is home to Dalits, Pillais, Nadars, Christians, and Muslims. With a total electorate of 16.22 lakhs spread across 1,788 booths, the constituency comprises six assembly segments, including Periyakulam and Sholavandan, which are reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Key issues dominating the electoral discourse in Theni include demands for an increase in the water storage level of the Mullaperiyar dam from 142 to 152 feet and improved infrastructure, particularly better road connectivity. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees face challenges due to narrow roads en route to the Sanarimalai shrine. Moreover, incidents of human-wildlife conflict pose a significant concern for the local populace, who heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The agricultural landscape of Theni, characterised by vast arable lands and a substantial green cover, depends on water sources like the Mullaperiyar and Vaigai dams for irrigation. The cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, millets, cotton, double crop paddy, and horticultural produce like grapes and cardamom forms the backbone of the local economy.

The political dynamics in Theni have witnessed shifts following rifts between leaders of the ruling AIADMK faction. Expelled from the party, OP Ravindranath, a prominent figure in Theni, is now contesting as an NDA-backed independent candidate in the Ramanathapuram constituency. Meanwhile, his father, O. Panneerselvam, along with other supporters, is throwing his weight behind TTV Dhinakaran, the AMMK candidate in Theni.

With the stage set for a four-cornered contest, the main battle appears to be between the DMK and AMMK. The DMK hopes to capitalise on potential divisions in AIADMK votes and the strength of its alliance, while TTV Dhinakaran’s popularity, backed by NDA support, could prove decisive in the electoral outcome. Despite AIADMK candidate V.T. Narayanaswamy’s familiarity with the party symbol, the current anti-establishment sentiment and the search for a viable alternative to the Dravidian parties could work in favour of Dhinakaran.

As the election fever intensifies in Theni, all eyes are on the candidates and their campaigns as they vie for the electorate’s mandate in this crucial constituency.