Despite being an independent candidate, rebel AIADMK T T V Dhinakaran has made deep inroads in the backward R K Nagar constituency. Money has contributed much to his fame, but his campaign in the now rescinded April 12 by poll has also helped him in the election. The election machinery of TTV matched with that of AIADMK and DMK. It was quite surprising that he had the last mile connectivity with voters.
Ruling AIADMK has also distributed money but the unpopularity of the EPS OPS government is writ large. Fishermen are terribly upset with the government over its inaction in tracing the missing fishermen in Kanniyakumari district. People are also upset with the AIADMK’s relationship with BJP.
Many old timers who have always voted for the AIADMK seem to be standing behind Madhusudhanan and his local connect with the electorate seems to be the only advantage that might play in his favour. Old women also favour Madhusudhanan.
Since there is likely to be a vertical split in traditional AIADMK votes, it could hurt Madhusudhanan and benefit Dhinakaran. Dhinakaran seems to have won the confidence of minorities with several Muslim women turning up at polling booths.
DMK’s traditional vote is intact and has not taken a major hit. Canvassing by Shimla Muthuchozhan, who unsuccessfully contested against J Jayalalithaa in 2016, has brought in Nadar votes for the DMK as usual. Apparently not distributing cash might go against the DMK.
Cash seems to be the major deciding factor in RK Nagar and it was evident with several people openly complaining that DMK did not distribute money for votes.
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