Salem: Rajaram's entry worries DMK, AIADMK

By A. V. Ragunathan

SALEM, MAY 3. Breaking the political hibernation, the former Assembly Speaker, Mr. K. Rajaram, has now entered into the electoral arena creating flutter in the political circles.

Mr. Rajaram has chosen to contest the Panamarathupatti seat as a candidate of the newly-formed People's Democratic Front on a free symbol. He occupied important positions during the MGR regime, but has been keeping a low profile for over ten years.

He has the backing of the Janata Dal (Secular). Mr. S. R. Sivalingam has been nominated by the DMK and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Palanisamy by the AIADMK.

Mr. Rajaram seems to be dwelling upon the vestiges of the past deeds, which he believes would translate into votes. It may be noted that in the 1991 Assembly elections, Mr. Rajaram won with a huge margin of about 50,000 votes and was a Minister in the Jayalalitha cabinet. But within a short time, he fell from her grace and has not been active till now.

Mr. Rajaram contested this seat after the death of N.Subbarayan and he retained it in 1984, but lost to Mr. Sivalingam in 1989. In 1996, Mr. Sivalingam defeated Mrs. Vijayalakshmi by a margin of 13,000 votes.

The DMK candidate claims credit for provision of roads connecting remote villages and protected water. But his critics say that he is bound to provide these facilities with the MLA Constituency development fund.

A general opinion among the people is that none of the parties have worked for the development of agro-based industries. The area is famous for jasmine and other flowers.

Another inhibiting aspect with Mr. Rajaram is the age- factor: he is 70 plus, and therefore, the appeal to the youths may not be as expected.

The 1,95,539-strong electorate would witness a three-cornered contest and also erosion of certain votes due to the presence of Mr.Rajaram.

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Section  : State Elections
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