The Thoothukudi Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is gearing up for the upcoming 2024 elections, scheduled to take place on April 19.
Comprising six assembly segments, namely Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Vilathikulam, Kovilpatti, Srivaikundam, and Ottapidaram (reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate), this constituency holds significant political importance in the region.
Traditionally, the Dravidian parties, primarily the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have been the dominant forces in Thoothukudi's electoral landscape.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi from the DMK secured a resounding victory, defeating then-state BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan by a substantial margin of 3,47,209 votes. Kanimozhi contested as part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), in alliance with the Congress.
This year, the DMK has nominated Kanimozhi as its candidate once again, aiming to retain the seat. She faces stiff competition from AIADMK's R Sivasami Velumani and SDR Vijayaseelan of the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Notably, Kanimozhi is the daughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and the half-sister of current Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Historically, Thoothukudi has swung between the DMK and the AIADMK. In 2014, it was AIADMK’s Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee who emerged victorious, defeating Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee of the Communist Party of India (CPI).
The demographic composition of Thoothukudi includes a diverse mix of urban and rural areas, along with various caste groups such as Nadars, Dalits, Mukulathors, and minorities.
In recent elections, key issues such as environmental concerns surrounding the Sterlite Copper plant and the devastating floods of December have significantly influenced voter sentiment. The closure of the Sterlite Copper smelter following a Supreme Court order has been a major election factor this year.
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