Top leaders of all major political parties in Tamil Nadu, including J Jayalalithaa of the AIADMK, filed their nomination papers with returning officers in charge of the constituencies from where they are contesting. Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister and general secretary of the AIADMK submitted her nomination paper to Padmaja Devi, returning officer in charge of the RK Nagar constituency from where the former is seeking re-election. Accompanied by her close friend Sasikala, the AIADMK supremo handed over the nomination papers at the stroke of 12:30 and completed the formalities in three minutes time. Senior AIADMK leaders accompanied their supremo who greeted the people with her customary victory sign.
Muthuvel Karunanidhi, the 93-year-old chief of the rationalist DMK, who is also the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate filed his nomination paper from Thiruvarur, 330 km south of Chennai. The DMK leader entered the chamber of the Returning Officer Muthumeenakshi at 12:40 and handed over the nomination paper at 12:45, the time selected by a battery of astrologers. According to astrologers in Chennai, Monday is the most auspicious day during the April 22 to April 29 period when nomination papers are accepted by the returning officers. Karunanidhi travelled from Chennai to Thiruvarur by his specially designed caravan which boasts of a host of modern gadgets, including CCTV.
Karunanidhi clan is leaving no stones unturned to ensure his victory in this election as this could be the nonagenarian’s last electoral battle. Rajathi, Karunanidhi’s third wife, is accompanying her husband to keep a close watch on the health of the party’s most precious possession. Dayanaidhi Maran, Karunanidhi’s grand nephew and a close confidante of MK Stalin, is also accompanying Karunanidhi to keep a close tab on the leaders interacting with the DMK chief.
In a move which shocked the constituents of the PWF, convenor Vaiko announced that he was not contesting the Assembly elections. Though it was announced earlier that Vaiko would be filing his nomination on Monday from Kovilpatti, it was Vinayak G Ramesh of the MDMK who submitted his nomination from the constituency.
Speaking to reporters later, Vaiko charged that the DMK was conspiring and fomenting caste war against him in the constituency. He said that since he had criticised the murder of Sankar, a Dalit, allegedly by members of the Thevar community, the DMK was instigating the community against him. “I do not want to see any murder or mayhem anywhere in Tamil Nadu and hence I am withdrawing from the Assembly elections,” said Vaiko.
On Sunday it was announced by Vaiko that he would not be campaigning at Ulundurpet, the constituency from where DMDK leader and the chief ministerial candidate of the PWF is contesting. Though no reason has been given by Vaiko for this change of heart, it is reported that all is not well within the PWF.
Anbumani Ramadoss, the chief ministerial candidate of the PMK filed his nomination from Pennagaram in Dharmapuri district. The AIADMK candidates have been asked by Jayalalithaa to submit/file their nominations on April 28.
Meanwhile all parties in Tamil Nadu are changing some of their candidates following revolt and rebellion from the cadre. The AIADMK on Monday replaced its 28 candidate while the DMK and the PMK too were forced to change some of their candidates.