A former CM crosses swords with a sitting MP in an engrossing battle in Ramanathapuram
OPS, with the backing of the BJPled NDA, is contesting as an Independent. Sitting MP Navas Kani says INDIA bloc should win for the State to grow
The Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, which was expected to acquire the status of a ‘VVIP constituency’ in the wake of reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had plans to enter the fray from there, has retained its highprofile status after former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam chose to contest from here as an Independent candidate backed by the BJPled NDA.
Having lost the battle for the AIADMK leadership, he is contesting on the ‘jackfruit’ symbol. BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai has promised that if Mr. Panneerselvam gets elected, it would change the fortunes of the constituency as he was “Mr. Modi’s personal choice”.
While his supporters and wellwishers are confident that Mr. Panneerselvam would win, at least by a slender margin, his opponents predict his defeat. Mr. Panneerselvam seeks to consolidate the votes of the Mukkulathor community, who have a substantial presence in the constituency. Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder John Pandian, an ally of the NDA, is trying his best to garner the votes of the Devendrakula Vellalars, another strong vote bank in the constituency. The campaign of AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran has also enthused the workers at the grassroots. “After decades of rivalry, the Mukkulathor and the Devendrakula Vellalar have come together on the same plank to vote for Mr. Panneerselvam. This is a big achievement,” said Dharani R. Murugesan, president, district unit of the BJP.
Sitting MP and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate K. Navas Kani, fielded on behalf of the DMKled INDIA has the advantage of a strong alliance. He will be hoping to poll over 2.5 lakh Muslim votes, on a par with the Mukkulathors, which can tilt the scales in his favour. Though there are no major charges against Mr. Kani, there appears to be some hesitation among a section of voters in reelecting him. Almost every block in the district has been flagging irregularities in direct purchase centres, nonpayment of claims by insurance companies and inadequate compensation given to crops affected in rainfall.
The Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency comprises six Assembly segments – Paramakudi, Tiruvadanai, Ramanathapuram and Mudukalathur from Ramanathapuram district; Aranthangi from Pudukkottai district; and Tiruchuli from Virudhunagar district. Muslims have a strong presence in Keelakarai, Yerwadi and Ramanathapuram Town. Likewise, persons from the Scheduled Caste community live in large numbers in Paramakudi. The Mukkulathors have their presence in Kamuthi, Sayalkudi and Tiruvadanai. Christians are in Mandapam, Rameswaram and Aranthangi and Yadavs are in Mudukalathur and in Ramanathapuram town respectively.
Mr. Kani takes credit for bringing in development to the rail sector, including a facelift to the Ramanathapuram Railway Station. “The State will witness growth and peace including a longterm solution to Katchatheevu only if the INDIA bloc wins,” he said.
Mr. Panneerselvam also plays the ‘sympathy card’, stating that he had been pained by the way he was treated by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. His efforts seem to pay off among sections of the Mukkulathor community.
In 2019, the AMMK candidate polled over 1.25 lakh votes. Pockets like Mudukalathur and Kamuthi have the dominant presence of Mukkulathors, who are likely to throw their weight behind Mr. Panneerselvam. Moreover, Rajya Sabha member R. Dharmar, a staunch supporter of Mr. Panneerselvam, is working overtime to ensure his victory.
The AIADMK has fielded Jayaperumal, and is banking on its popular ‘twoleaves’ symbol. The party’s lead campaign manager, and MLA R.B. Udhayakumar said that the sitting MP had done nothing for the constituency. The NTK has fielded Chandra Jayapal.