Direct contest between arch rivals DMK and AIADMK in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, May 3 (UNI) Compared to the elections from 1991 to 2001, there is no major issue or wave in this district for this year's May 8 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

A total of 3459593 electorate, including 17,28,944 female will decide the fate of the 163 candidates contesting from 15 assembly constituencies.

The Mepputalayam, Kovai East, Perur, Kinathukadavu, Udumalapet, Dharapuram, Pongalur, Palladam and Pollachi constituencies would witness a direct contest between arch rivals DMK and AIADMK.

The DMK's alliance partner Congress is contesting in Thondamuthur, Kovai West and Valpari against AIADMK, MDMK and Dalit Panthers of India(DPI).

The constituencies like Singalannur will see a fight between INTUC candidate (AIADMK symbol) and CPI(M), Tirupur between CPI(M) and MDMK while Avinashi between CPI and AIADMK.

Except for a couple of constituencies, where DMK has an upper hand, the contest for all the constituencies are evenly poised. The entry of BJP might upset their applecart. The Desiya Murokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) has also nominated their candidates in all the constituencies.

The BJP sources predicted that their chances are bright in Thondamuthur, Palladam, Kovai West and Tirupur.

Veterans and outsiders like former Union Minister M Kannappan (MDMK) and S R Balasubramanian (Congress) are contesting against each other in Thondamuthur. The localite and former MLA M Chinnaraj is also in the fray and he is expected to give a tough fight to the MDMK treasurer Kannappan, MDMK sources said.

However, sitting Congress MLA S R Balasubramanian is confident of retaining his seat, listing out the development work undertaken in this constituency.

MORE UNI KS KVV MSJ DS1446