Tamil Nadu assembly elections: Pre-poll surveys push TVK brass towards Chennai; actor-politician Vijay eyes Velachery, Trichy East

CHENNAI: Most of the senior leaders of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), including its president Vijay, are looking to contest in assembly constituencies in and around Chennai.

Party leaders said Vijay had initially shortlisted five constituencies-Velachery and Virugambakkam in Chennai, Vikravandi, where the party held its first conference, Nagapattinam and Trichy East. While the choice has now narrowed down to Velachery and Virugambakkam, because of 'sentiment' attached to the letter 'V', a TVK leader said that there was also internal discussion on Vijay contesting from two constituencies.


"If that happens, Trichy East could be the second preference," the leader said. The constituency is seen by TVK leaders as suitable for Vijay due to its large minority population. For other TVK leaders, early preferences were spread across Tamil Nadu: however, they are now narrowing as TVK's internal surveys increasingly point to Chennai as the zone of advantage. Party sources claim that the surveys showed TVK securing a vote share of 25% to 30% in at least 10 to 12 constituencies in the city. "This could cross 40% as the election approaches and campaign activity intensifies,'' claimed a leader.

Reflecting this shift, election campaign management general secretary Aadhav Arjuna, who earlier considered Kallakurichi, is now considering Tiruvallur. Joint general secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar earlier indicated interest in Usilampatti in Madurai district, but is now eyeing Perambur, party sources said.

Two former AIADMK leaders, J C D Prabhakar and V S Babu are likely to seek Villivakkam, Egmore or Thiru Vi Ka Nagar seats.

TVK leaders said not all of the top brass are aiming for Chennai. Some of them, like chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan (Gobichettipalayam), are firm on contesting from their native regions.

Propaganda secretary Arun Raj has been preparing the ground in Tiruchengode in Namakkal district, while general secretary N Anand is considering Cuddalore, close to the Puducherry border.

Marie Wilson, a relative of educationist Jeppiar, is eyeing Colachel in southern Tamil Nadu, and dentist T K Prabhu is expected to contest from Sivaganga.