The Big Fight: Triangular fight at Radhapuram

While his supporters point out this unique distinction as an indication in the ensuing election, SP Udayakumar’s ability to eat into votes of the dominant coastal community votes might play spoilsport. This is the first time Appavu, a former teacher, is facing the election in the backdrop of coastal community rallying behind Udayakumar. 

However, the senior politician, who was instrumental in the implementation of drinking water schemes in this region, is confident that his good work during his earlier tenures will be rewarded. Radhapuram, once a Congress stronghold, still has considerable number of party sympathisers. 

In this backdrop, the DMK-Congress alliance is said to have enhanced his winning prospects. Pachai Tamizhagam founder SP Udayakumar, on the other hand, feels he has an edge over his formidable opponent as the entire coastal community would support him. His role in taking the anti-nuclear campaign to the world stage has placed him as a high pedestal person. However, the non-coastal community, especially the dominant Nadars are not fully behind Udayakumar. 

While AIADMK candidate IS Inbadurai is not as popular as his rivals, the party’s appealing image among the fishing community may work in his favour. In fact, DMDK’s victory in 2011 in this constituency was because it was part of AIADMK-led alliance.

Erstwhile Congress heavyweight, he defected to DMK in 2005. A threetime MLA from the same constituency, he was not given a ticket in 2011 as it was allotted to Congress. Despite being a DMK member, he still retains support base from Congress sympathisers.

The anti-nuclear activist spearheaded the people’s stir against Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). He is hopeful of netting considerable votes from the coastal community and has promised corruption free and transparent administration.

A less-known candidate, he banks on the support of coastal community, majority of whom are said to be sympathisers of AIADMK. Since the AIADMK played a crucial role in ensuring victory for DMDK in this seat last election, he feels that personal clout doesn’t matter.