Intense contests brewing in the Cauvery delta, the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu

The agrarian heartland spread largely over the Cauvery delta in the central region of Tamil Nadu has gained a reputation for tipping the scales in recent elections. The party with the most number of seats from this region went on to form the government in the past few elections. The region could play a crucial role in this election, too.

The DMK, which had won 37 of the 41 constituencies in nine districts in 2021, is keen on retaining its supremacy. The AIADMK, which had suffered heavy losses owing to a split in the votes caused by the  AMMK and the NTK in several constituencies in 2021, is hoping that the anti-incumbency factor will turn the tide in its favour. Besides, with the AMMK and the TMC(M) on its side now, it hopes to bridge the gap in the core delta. However, as V. K. Sasikala has charted her own course along with PMK founder S. Ramadoss, the extent of the AMMK’s influence could be limited. T.T.V. Dhinakaran may not be able to fully garner the Kallar vote bank, given the divisions within the family of Sasikala, who is the aide of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.