The Congress party witnessed a major drubbing in the central region in the recently concluded election.The party boasted an impressive track record in the central districts in the past from Tiruchi, Karur, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur constituencies.
This time, the party announced its decision to go it alone which initially aroused enthusiasm among local leaders and cadre. They said going alone will enable in identifying the real strength of the party. This was the second time after 1998, the party went alone.
Undeterred by the party’s failure to forge a formidable alliance, the candidates and the local leaders made a brave effort to make their presence felt in the region. Mani Shankar Aiyar launched his campaign in Mayiladuthurai constituency even before the party announced his candidature. Sarubala Tondaiman (Tiruchi), S. Jothimani (Karur), T. Krishnasamy Vandayar (Thanjavur), M. Rajasekaran (Perambalur), campaigned vigorously.
However, the absence senior leaders proved to be a handicap for campaign. Despite G. K. Vasan, Union Minister for Shipping, B.S. Gnanadesikan, president, TNCC, and E.V.K.S. Elangovan former union minister, hitting the campaign trail, their campaigning proved to be a lacklustre affair.
Mr. Aiyar topped the vote tally among the Congress candidates with 58,465 votes, followed by Sarubala Tondaiman, who secured 51,537; M. Rajasekaran 31,998; S. Jothimani 30,459; T. Krishnasamy Vandayar 30,232; Vallalperuman 28,988 and T.A.P. Senthil Pandian 23,967 votes.
Losing depositThe rude shock for the party cadre came when its senior and popular leaders could not retain their deposit. Instead of reviving the party, the poll verdict has proved to be counter productive. “The party would have fared much better had the high command taken initiative to check faction among the leaders and infuse confidence among the cadre. Lack of coordination and proper planning too did the party in”, the party workers.
