Caste not a major factor in Tiruchi II

Tiruchirapalli, Apr 29 (UNI) Unlike in many parts of Tamil Nadu, where caste is playing a major role in the Assembly polls, the scene is different in Tiruchirapalli-II, primarily because it is an urban constituency.

The dissimilarity with other constituencies ends there, because here too, as in other seats in the state, the fight is between the DMK-led Democratic Progress Alliance and the AIADMK-led Democratic People's Alliance. In fact the two parties heading the fronts are battling it out here - DMK stalwart and former Minister K N Nehru against newcomer but aggressive contender Mariam Pitchai of the AIADMK. Mr Pitchai is a former AIADMK district secretary.

The seat is held by the DMK, now in the opposition in the state.

Adding spice to the contest is the presence of veteran sportsman A D Senthureeswaran, who has taken the plunge on behalf of actor Vijayakanth's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Also trying its luck is the BJP, which has fielded M Mathivanan. In all, there are 11 candidates in the fray.

The past gives the DMK a small edge. It won here in 1967, 1971, 1989, 1996 and 2001. AIADMK came good in 1977, 1980, 1984 and 1991.

More UNI GSM AA MA ND1408