An AIADMK Pocketborough, but no Cakewalk for Jaya

Andipatti, Apr 30 (UNI) An AIADMK pocketborough, but it seems to be no cakewalk for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Party Supremo J Jayalalithaa, seeking re-election in May 8 Assembly polls.

After the February 2002 by-election, which Ms Jayalalithaa won with a whopping margin of 40,000 and above, the highest ever in the constituency, she has again come seeking votes.

No fresh promises! That she has surpassed their expectations besides fulfilling all those pledges made in 2002, is the thrust of her campaign. All the same, ''Amma,'' as she is addressed by her party faithful and even allies, has spent five days for electioneering here, touching the nook and corners.

The main opposition DMK has fielded a greenhorn, Seeman (50), a native of nearby Cumbum, running a chain of Tutorials in Chennai.

Notable among the other 14 contenders are S K Murugavel Rajan, a former Pattali Makkal Katchi MLA, who joined the AIADMK at the fag end of his tenure only to quit on being denied the ticket, and P Balasundararaj of the Dalit outfit Puthiya Thamizhagam (PT).

Despite the increasing fragmentation of the polity, witnessed by many new players with pockets of influence entering the fray, the Chief Minister appears to have a lead over her rivals in Andipatti in Theni District.

It was from here, her mentor and AIADMK-founder M G Ramachandran romped home victorious in 1984, even while being bedridden in US Hospital, according it a star status! MORE UNI CR CH PM1702