Chengam: Chengam, the biggest constituency in Tiruvannamalai district, has been deciding the fate of Tamil Nadu politics since 1962. Whichever party or combine wins this seat goes on to form the Government.

The constituency, which had always been a strong foothold for the Dravidian parties, witnesses a direct fight between the Congress, a constituent of the Democratic Progressive Alliance, and the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), supported by the All-India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Voters here say that even though the Congress had fielded a known candidate, Polur Varadhan, contesting for the second time from the constituency, they are disappointed as the two major Dravidian parties — DMK and AIADMK — are not directly contesting here.

Since 1962 till the last Assembly elections in 2001, it has been a coincidence that whichever party or combine won the election here ruled the State.

For instance in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1996, the DMK candidates have won the elections in the constituency and the DMK formed the Government.

Similarly, the DMK formed the Government in 1989 though the party had fielded a Janata Dal candidate, who won in the constituency.

In 1977, 1980, 1984 and 1991 the AIADMKcandidates won this seat and the party formed the Government. Again in 2001 Polur Varadhan, who stood on a Congress ticket, with the support of the AIADMK, won with a good margin and the AIADMK returned to power.

MDMK influence

Though the Congress continues to enjoy a sizable strength in the constituency, it could be a close fight. The presence of the DPI candidate, Atralarasu, though a new face, cannot be underestimated because of the influence of the MDMK.

There is a feeling in the DPI that the AIADMK cadres have not yet jumped whole-heartedly into the campaign for Mr. Atralarasu due to some differences within that party. But for the Congress the DMK cadres have kicked off an active campaign ever since the candidate was announced.

Voters here are waiting to see whether Chengam keeps its tryst with government formation this time too.

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