AIADMK debutant vs. stalwarts

By R. Sundaram

ERODE, APRIL 22. The AIADMK has fielded Mr. K.S. Thennarasu, a new face, against the stalwarts, Mr. N.K.K. Periyasamy (DMK) and Mr. A. Ganesamurthy (MDMK), in Erode.

Mr. Thennarasu, a dyeing factory owner and president of the local Khalasi Workers' Union, is familiar with the textile producers and labourers.

He is promising farmers that he would take steps to start a turmeric complex at Erode itself. The Government had planned such a complex in Perundurai, about 25 km from here. Businessmen who have established shops in Erode and labourers who depend on turmeric trade, would find it difficult to shift their premises to Perundurai.

Easing traffic congestion, construction of two subways at the Paneerselvam park junction and the Government hospital road junction, daily water supply and building of a commercial complex for the textile industry are among his other promises.

In 1977, 1980, 1984, 1991, the AIADMK captured the Erode seat. Mr. S. Muthuswamy, who represented the constituency thrice, was credited with working for the town's development.

In 1991, Mr. C. Manickkam was elected with 96,187 votes, while the then DMK candidate, Mr. A. Ganesamurthy, got 52,456. In 1996, the voter strength increased and the DMK candidate, Mr. Periyasamy, obtained 1,04,726 votes and got elected, while Mr. S. Muthuswamy got 56889. The present DMK regime worked for the development in the area. Separate water supply schemes had been granted to all panchayats and free distribution saris and dhoties made. Mr. Periyasamy has also been helpful in boosting the handloom export.

Mr. Ganesamurthy is yet to start his campaign. In 1996, the MDMK got only 7,047 votes and this time the party hopes to get more. Their votes may divide the DMK votes. The AIADMK is banking on rural areas and scheduled caste votes. All the three major candidates belong to dominant Vellala Gounder community.

The MGR Makkal Katchi founder, Mr. Vengai Rajendran, is contesting as independent. The Maduraiveeran Makkal Katchi candidate, Mr. N. Vinayagamurthy, may get some support from the Adidravidas.

The total number of voters in the constituency is 3,19,325, of whom 1,62,571 are male and 1,56,754 female.

Chidambaram's charge

Addressing an election meeting here last night in support of Mr. Periyasamy, Mr. P.Chidambaram, TMC Democratic Front leader, said no major developments took place during the Jayalalitha regime and corruption was rampant.

When the Congress was in power at the Centre during 1991, the Constitution was amended and it was made mandatory that all the States conduct local bodies elections immediately. Except Tamil Nadu, all States honoured the order. But Ms. Jayalalitha ``disrespected'' the Constitution amendment and failed to conduct the elections till the end of her Government. Mr. Chidambaram praised the DMK leader, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, for conducting the local bodies elections immediately after assuming office after the 1996 Assembly poll.

Mr. Chidambaram also attended meetings at Bhavani and Gobichettipalayam. Mr. Periyasamy, Mr. Anthiyur P. Selvarasu, Khadi Minister, Mr. J. Sudhanandhen, State vice-president, NJP, and candidate for the Bhavani, constituency spoke.

Power failure

At Erode, when Mr. Chidambaram started addressing the gathering, there was a sudden power failure, but he carried on with a public address system fitted to a DMK propaganda car, speaking extensively about the erstwhile AIADMK Government.

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Section  : State Elections
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