With just a few days remaining until the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, all parties have intensified candidate selection and nomination distribution efforts. In Tamil Nadu, major parties such as the AIADMK, DMK, as well as national parties like the BJP and Congress, have escalated alliance and seat-sharing discussions. Parties are strategically dividing seats to maximize their chances of winning. As a result, the ruling party and its coalition partners are vying for the Virudhunagar Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu.
DMK members have expressed their desire for the party to contest directly in the Virudhunagar constituency without allocating it to a coalition partner. They cite the popularity of the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, due to various welfare schemes implemented, such as women's entitlements, free bus travel for women, and breakfast schemes. The district's significance, with key ministers representing finance and revenue departments, further emphasizes the importance of direct contesting to support the constituency's victory.
We advocate for unanimous support from all party members to nominate Thamizhachi Thangapandian as our candidate. Currently serving as the MP for Chennai South constituency. Thangapandian's potential candidacy for Virudhunagar is proposed, especially considering Makkal Needhi Maiam's focus on South Chennai for Kamal Haasan. Thangapandian's familial ties to Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, along with her familiarity with the Virudhunagar constituency and its requirements, make her a fitting choice. If the party chooses to nominate her as a candidate, considering the ongoing distribution of nominations, her victory is assured. MDMK, along with allies Congress leaders Manickam Tagore MP and Durai Vaiko, are reportedly vying for a seat. Regardless of the candidate, the DMK is poised to win, given its coalition strength. However, a direct candidate may secure a more significant margin of victory.
AIADMK members express dissatisfaction with the current government, citing unfulfilled promises and rising discontent among the populace. They remain confident in securing victory and reinforcing Virudhunagar as an AIADMK stronghold. All AIADMK members is going to adhere to the decision taken by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami. Raj Sathyan, the State Communication Wing Secretary of AIADMK in the constituency, along with former Minister Mafa Pandiarajan and Sivakasi-based businessman Sunshine Ganesan, are vying to contest for the seat. 'We hope that whoever emerges victorious will receive the party's ticket. Despite internal differences, we are confident of winning this Lok Sabha election and demonstrating that Virudhunagar is an AIADMK stronghold.'
Apart from the Dravidian parties, the BJP is also attempting to field direct candidates. Virudhunagar district is included in the list of aspirational districts identified by the Government of India. Consequently, BJP candidates are gearing up to directly enter the electoral contest, as several initiatives related to the development schemes of the central government can be implemented directly in Virudhunagar district. Professor Rama Srinivasan, Virudhunagar BJP East district administrator Jawahar, and Thirumangalam native Veda Damodaran are vying for a ticket. Internal party politics is a separate issue. Speaking on behalf of the BJP, those mentioned stated that in the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP would emerge victorious. The loss of the East district president Pandurangan in the previous election was attributed to internal party politics, which persists to this day. Both state and national leadership are aware of the internal dynamics. Therefore, the party's focus remains on the welfare of the constituency and working towards the victory of the nominated candidate. This time, the BJP is leading in the Virudhunagar constituency, and victory is anticipated.
Additionally, the DMDK and PMK are strategizing to field candidates targeting the Virudhunagar constituency, as alliance talks have yet to be finalized. Speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of DMDK's party general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth in the constituency.
Similarly, reports suggest that state treasurer Thilakabama is considering entering the fray on behalf of the PMK. Overall, the Virudhunagar Lok Sabha constituency is poised to become a focal point in the 2024 elections.