DMK releases list of 173 candidates, Stalin to contest in Kolathur

Chennai: The DMK on April 13 released its list of candidates for 173 constituencies for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on May 16. However, the DMK Rising Sun symbol will be in the contest in 179 constituencies as three candidates of Makkal DMDK, one candidate each of Perunthalaivar Makkal Katchi led by NR Dhanabalan, Tamil Nadu Peasants and Workers Party led by Pon Kumar and Samooga Samathuva Padai led by former IAS Officer P Sivakami are entering the fray on the DMK symbol.

Former chief minister M Karunanidhi will contest from Tiruvarur, and former deputy chief minister and DMK treasurer M K Stalin will contest again from Kolathur.

The number of seats allocated to the other allies in the DMK- led front: Congress (41), IUML (5), MMK (5), Puthiya Thamizhagam (4) and Makkal DMDK (3).

Of the 173 candidates, 19 are women while at least 16 former Ministers have been given the party ticket this time. 23 sitting MLAs have been given the opportunity to contest again. The list was released by DMK president Karunanidhi.

The DMK has put up Simla Muthuchozhan in RK Nagar constituency where Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa is contesting. Former Mayor of Chennai Corporation, Ma Subramanian, is contesting in Saidapet constituency, actor Vagai Chandrasekar in Velachery, former minister K N Nehru in Trichy West, Durai Murugan from Katpadi constituency, A V Velu from Tiruvannamalai, K Ponmudi (Tirukoilur), S Muthusamy (Erode West), Thangam Thennarasu (Tiruchuzhi) K Pichandi (Keezhpennathur), and Anitha Radhakrishnan (Tiruchendur).  

In Virugambakkam, where BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan is contesting, K Dhanasekaran will be the DMK candidate. Former Deputy Speaker of the Assembly VP Duraisamy is seeking election from Rasipuram (SC) constituency while DMK Whip in the Assembly A R Chakrapani seeks re-election from Oddanchathiram. Former Assembly Speaker R Avudaiyappan is contesting from Ambasamudram.