Tough battle for AIADMK at Villupuram

VILLUPURAM: At a time when the DMK alliance is sailing through troubled waters in many parts of the State, with issues such as frequent power cuts and the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils set to affect its poll prospects in the Lok Sabha elections, the alliance seems to be in a comfortable position in Villupuram.

The DMK alliance is banking on the successful implementation of its schemes and loan waiver for farmers in this reserved constituency, which comprises a number of beneficiaries.

The clean image of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi candidate, Justice K Swamidurai, is an asset. He has made the fight tough for his opponent, the AIADMK contestant M Anandhan, who is a former minister.

“I got a loan waiver of Rs 2 lakh,” said S Dhandapani, a farmer from Thogaipadi village. Likewise, a number of people in the surrounding hamlets have benefited through the loan waiver scheme from cooperative banks. “Our vote is only for ‘Star’, the symbol of VCK,” he said.

According to sources, Minister for Higher Education, K Ponmudy, who represents the Villupuram assembly segment, has ensured that the benefits of the schemes reached the maximum number of people. Subsequently, over 75 per cent of the population in the neighbouring assembly constituency of Vikravandi, which is represented by the DMK, have got free colour TVs. According to sources, a large section of Dalit votes would be polled in favour of the VCK.

On the other hand, the AIADMK is campaigning along with the PMK, which is expected to transfer its Vanniyar votes to the alliance partners. A large section of the electorate in Tindivanam, Tirukovilur and Ulundurpettai, who have not benefited from these freebies, could vote in favour of the AIADMK. “The freebies were provided only in the Minister’s (Ponmudy) constituency,” alleges Kaliamurthy, a resident of Alampadi village, which falls under Tirukovilur. He said: “The Government has done nothing for our welfare. Then why should we vote for the DMK alliance?” Similarly, the NREGS, the ambitious project of the Centre, offering 80 days of work for the rural populace, has not fully reached the farmers.