DMK nominees changed in two seats

It is surprising because in both the segments, there had been no opposition from any group unlike in a few places seeking replacement. Orathanadu and Arakkonam (reserved) are the two seats where candidates have been changed by the DMK high command. Former union minister SS Palanimanickam’s brother S S Rajkumar, who was originally fielded in Orthanadu, backed out and has been replaced with former party MLA (1996-2001) M Ramachandran and N Rajkumar has been swapped for S Bhavani in Arakkonam (reserved) segment.

DT Next has reliably learnt that it was neither dissent nor candidate’s popularity, but caste factor may have edged Rajkumar out of the race in Orathanadu where the AIADMK has fielded one of its housing minister R Vaithilingam.