In an interesting strategy, the DMDK released its candidates list in three phases on Wednesday, with party sources stating the names were put out “as and when they were cleared” by the party leadership.
The first list of five candidates, which included party treasurer A.R. Elangovan (contesting from Omalur), was released just before the DMK announced its candidates. The second list consisted of several sitting MLAs. Prominent among them were B. Parthasarathy and Alagapuram R. Mohan Raj, who will enter the fray in Virugambakkam and Salem West, respectively. Mr. Mohan Raj, the Deputy Leader of Opposition, has shifted his seat to Salem West from Salem North.
Other incumbent MLAs in the list included D. Murugesan, R. Arulselvan, V. Muthukumar and P. Sivakolundu — all retaining their seats. In all, candidates for 40 constituencies were announced.
PMK list
Meanwhile, the Pattali Makkal Katchi also released its second list of 72 candidates. Notable among them was the controversial J. Guru, who will contest from Jayankondam. Former Union Minister P. Shanmugam will enter the fray in Katpadi, while former MLAs K. Ethiroli Manian and P. Kannan will fight the polls from Kizhpennathur and Sankagiri respectively.
