Intense Political Face-off in Virudhunagar: DMDK's Vijaya Prabhakaran Makes State Politics Debut

Virudhunagar is bracing for a riveting election showdown as DMDK's Vijaya Prabhakaran, son of Vijayakanth, enters state politics against AIADMK's VG Ganesan. The political landscape shifts with DMDK aligning with DMK and NTK and TVK adding to the contest. Voting is slated for April 23.

Tensions are building in the Virudhunagar Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu as it prepares for a closely contested election. Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is fielding Vijaya Prabhakaran, son of the party's founder Captain Vijayakanth, marking his debut in state politics. He narrowly lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by just 4,300 votes against Congress's Manickam Tagore.

In a strategic political twist, DMDK, previously in alliance with AIADMK during the Lok Sabha election, has now switched allegiance to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the upcoming state elections. This move follows unsuccessful seat-sharing negotiations with AIADMK. Meanwhile, AIADMK is pinning its hopes on VG Ganesan, and NTK's Latchumanan has entered the fray as well.

The newly established Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) seeks to disrupt the traditional political order with its candidate SP Selvam running in the constituency. Known for its historical and industrial significance, Virudhunagar has been the political stronghold of DMK's ARR Seenivasan, who claimed victory in the 2016 and 2021 elections. However, with DMK ceding this seat to DMDK and AIADMK aggressively campaigning, the stage is set for a vigorous battle on April 23, with results to be declared on May 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)