Two veterans and an outsider battle it out at DMK fortress

Chennai, May 1 (UNI) In another constituency in the city where more number of educated and upper middle class voters hold the reins at the hustings, sitting MLA of DMK Arcot N Veerasamy and BJP leader Dr H V Hande, and an outsider Ms Vijaya Thayanban of Marumalarchi DMK are in the fray for the May 8 assembly elections.

The constituency has remained a DMK fortress since 1977 except in 1991 when the Congress candidate Dr Chellakumar won. DMK President M Karunanidhi himself had won from this constituency in the 1980 elections. Mr Veerasamy, party treasurer has been representing the constituency in the assembly for the last two terms, and is seeking reelection again in pursuit of a hat-trick with lot of hope that the electorate would recognise his service.

Mr Veerasamy, former AIADMK minister has earned a name for himself by spending from his MLA's constituency development fund for 10 years, for the improvement of the constituency. He says he has solved most of the civic problems of this constituency. He also claims that he was instrumental in getting two bridges, laying underground cables, relaying roads, construction of storm water drains, installing two new electrical sub-stations and 30 new transformers to overcome frequent power failure and upgradation of number of school buildings.

However, Mr Veerasamy who used to campaign hard in the streets is now confined to his house most of the time, due to ill-health. He has directed his partymen to conduct systematic campaigning with the whole hearted support of the alliance partners.

When Mr Veerasamy's attention was drawn to transport problem, inadequate water supply and increased commercialisation at Annanagar area and its surroundings leading to several problems for the local residents, including parking, Mr Veerasamy admitted this and said his priority was to solve them once he is reelected. He also promises to take up repairs and renovations of slum clearance board tenements.

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