Villupuram Assembly constituency is poised for a scorching battle between Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and former Education Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Both happen to be the district secretaries of the respective political parties and, therefore, wield considerable clout.
Mr. Shanmugam shifted from Tindivanam, which has become a reserved seat, to Villupuram. He carries the tag of ‘outsider,' but is unfazed by such criticism. Mr. Shanmugam keeps his cool and concentrates on the campaign. He is ably supported by the newfound ally, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.
On the model of the Chennai-Veeranam water project executed by AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa against odds, Mr. Shanmugam has succeeded in solving the perennial drinking water problem of Tindivanam through the implementation of the Kandrakottai comprehensive water scheme by tapping the groundwater from the banks of the Then-Pennaiyar.
He has initiated many proactive measures to wipe out the stigma of Villupuram that it is a socially, economically and educationally backward district and is credited with being responsible for bringing the new bus stand, integrated court complex and modern Collectorate to Villupuram.
The feather in his cap was the Government Medical College at Mundiampakkam and opening of two government engineering colleges at Villupuram and Tindivanam. He has been instrumental in the construction of the new block of the government girls' higher secondary school, upgrading several schools, and laying cement roads in the entire Villupuram municipality. He has taken steps for the establishment of a SIPCOT industrial estate.
Mr. Ponmudy won four of the five Assembly elections he contested and this is the sixth time he is in the fray. Yet, Mr. Ponmudy cannot be said to have a cosy relationship with the DMK allies, namely the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
He has always been the target of criticism for the PMK and the VCK has been cut up with him because it hold him responsible for its candidate's defeat in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Besides BJP candidate C. Arokkiasamy seven other Independents are vying for votes in the constituency.
