As smaller parties rally behind the Dravidian majors, ruling DMK and Opposition AIADMK have allowed their allies in a direct duel in 21 constituencies in the April 23 Assembly election to prove their strength in their respective strongholds. These smaller parties, divided among the two major combines — the SPA (under the DMK) and the AIADMK-led NDA — will have the backing of the Dravidian majors, respectively, but they would have to eventually demonstrate their individual influence among the voters in the seats they are contesting.