T.N. Assembly election: CPI(M), Congress to exchange Padmanabhapuram and Vilavancode constituencies

The CPI(M) and the Congress will soon exchange the Padmanabhapuram and Vilavancode seats in Kanniyakumari district.

Speaking to The Hindu, CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam said it had been agreed that the CPI(M) would exchange the Padmanabhapuram constituency with the Congress, which had been allotted Vilavancode. “It was also discussed with the DMK leadership. Since Congress high command has not given its approval, the list was released. We are still waiting for the nod from New Delhi.” he said.

‘Awaiting approval’

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai also confirmed the development, stating that the State unit was awaiting approval from party leadership in New Delhi.

Since the 2006 Assembly election, the DMK has maintained its winning streak in the Padmanabhapuram constituency. However, it has now allotted the constituency to the CPI(M). Notably, Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj was elected from this constituency in both the 2016 and 2021 elections.

Sunday’s edition of the CPI(M)’s mouthpiece, while listing the constituencies allocated to the party mentioned the term “subject to change” next to Padmanabhapuram. This fuelled speculations among party cadre and residents. Although CPI(M) cadre are excited about the party entering the fray in Kanniyakumari district after the 2016 Assembly election, they had expected the Vilavancode constituency to be allocated to the party, considering its strong presence there.

The last CPI(M) MLA from Padmanabhapuram constituency was S. Noor Mohammed, who was elected in the 1989 election. He was also the last CPI(M) candidate to contest from the Padmanabhapuram constituency in 1996.

A former CPI(M) MLA from Kanniyakumari district said: “While seeking seats, our focus was on securing the Vilavancode constituency. Even the Congress party had selected its candidate for Padmanabhapuram. However, due to pending approval from Congress high command, the seat was announced for the CPI(M).” He added that a decision would be taken and an announcement was expected soon.