DMDK-PWF's Chief Ministerial candidate Vijayakanth has announced will be contesting from Ulundurpet in Villupuram. This will be the first time DMDK will be contesting from the constituency. Power in Ulundurpet shifted between DMK to AIADMK over the past six elections, and the constituency is currently considered an AIADMK’s stronghold.
Vijayakanth had earlier emerged victorious from the Rishivandhiyam constituency in the 2011 state assembly elections.
The Manithaneya Makkal Katchi on Friday returned the Ulundurpet Assembly constituency offered to it by DMK in alliance seat sharing. The DMK had allotted MMK five constituencies — Thondamuthur in Coimbatore, Ambur, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam and Ulundurpet.
Within minutes of MMK’s decision, the DMK in a press release said the party has decided to field its candidate G.R. Vasanthavel. The release said the change had been effected as its ally MMK expressed inability to contest in Ulundurpet.
MDMK chief Vaiko will be contesting from Kovilpatti, while speculation is rife that VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan could take on Jayalalithaa head on at RK Nagar.