DMK banks on veterans, fields fresh faces in Thoothukudi district

With the Assembly elections approaching, DMK has firmed up its electoral strategy in Thoothukudi district, opting to contest five of the six constituencies in the district, while allocating one seat to its ally Indian National Congress (INC).

The DMK has decided to field its candidates in constituencies such as Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi, Vilathikulam, Ottapidaram (SC) and Kovilpatti. Meanwhile, the lone seat for the congress will be Srivaikuntam.

At Tiruchendur constituency, all eyes are on Fisheries Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician who has once again been re-nominated. The upcoming election will be his seventh attempt from the constituency, underscoring his long standing association with the region.

He first won on an ALADMK ticket in 2001 and 2006, he later shifted to DMK and went on to secure victories in 2009 by-election and subsequent elections in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Despite speculation over whether he would be fielded again, the party chose continuity over change.

P. Geetha Jeevan, DMK Candidate for Thoothukudi constituency.
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RAJESH N

In Thoothukudi, DMK has reposed faith in Social Welfare Minister P. Geetha Jeevan, a familiar face in the constituency. Having won three out four contests, including back to back victories in 2016 and 2021, she brings both experience and strong local connect.

However, with AIADMK fielding S.T. Chellapandian, the contest is expected to be closely fought, particularly in the back-drop of anti-incumbency concerns.

Ottapidaram DMK candidate P. M. Ramajeyam.
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A notable shift is visible in Ottapidaram (SC), where DMK has introduced a new face P. M. Ramajeyam, replacing the sitting MLA amid reported dissatisfaction among constituents.

K. Karunanidhi, DMK candidate from Kovilpatti constituency.
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Similarly in Kovilpatti, the party has fielded K. Karunanidhi reclaiming the seat from its ally CPI(M), which had contested there in the previous assembly election.

Vilathikulam DMK candidate G.V. Markanadayan.
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In Vilathikulam, however the party has opted for stability, renominating sitting MLA G.V. Markanadayan. He is set to face AIADMK’s R. Sathya.

DMK’s candidate selection in Thoothukudi reflects a careful balancing of experience with new faces, while also responding to local dynamics.