The saffron party, riding on the ‘Modi' wave and the support base enjoyed by its allies has been dreaming of sending MPs to the Lok Sabha after a long time from Tamil Nadu, where its run remained on a barren stretch so far after the AIADMK and DMK kept away from it.
Notwithstanding the outcome, BJP by forming an alliance has scored a point over its national rival Congress, which has been left to fend for itself, being isolated by all parties in the state.
‘Puratchi Thalaivi Amma” (revolutionary mother), as Jayalalithaa is affectionately addressed by her followers, seemed to be largely banking on her government's pro-poor schemes like subsidized canteens, packaged drinking water bottles sold at cheaper rates and distribution of freebies like mixer grinders and milch animals started three years ago.
However, DMK has been raising issues like acute drinking water shortage, sale of bottled water and power shortage to attack AIADMK.
Prominent leaders in the contest include DMK's former union ministers—Dayanidhi Maran (Chennai Central), A Raja (Nilgiri SC), both facing corruption charges in 2G scam, T R Baalu (Thanjavur) and S Jagatrakshakan (Sriperumbudur) and T K S Elangovan from Chennai South, which has the highest number of 42 candidates.
Former Union minister Mani Shankar Iyer of Congress is fighting from Mayiladuthurai in Cauvery delta, while PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss and his NDA ally Vaiko of MDMK are testing their fortunes from Dharmapuri and Virudhunagar respectively.
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