VELLORE: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Democratic Progressive Alliance swept the 2006 Assembly elections in 11 out of the 12 constituencies in Vellore district, thus reinforcing its influence over the composite North Arcot district. In Tiruvannamalai district, the DPA has won eight of the nine constituencies. Kalasapakkam seat went to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, whose candidate, "Agri" S.S. Krishnamurthi defeated his nearest Pattali Makkal Katchi rival, R. Kalidoss by a margin of 7,646 votes. In the previous elections, the DMK alliance had won only one seat in Vellore district (Katpadi) and two in Tiruvannamalai district (Tiruvannamalai and Thandarambattu). The respective candidates, Durai Murugan, K. Pichandi and E.V. Velu have retained their seats. The results in Anaicut constituency in Vellore district were withheld on the orders of the Election Commission. The highlight of the elections was the record-breaking victory of C. Gnanasekharan of the Congress who won from the Vellore constituency for the fourth consecutive term. The most impressive victory was that of Durai Murugan, DMK candidate from Katpadi, who retained his seat by defeating his nearest rival and newcomer, B. Narayanan of the AIADMK by a margin of 35,147 votes. The next biggest winning lead was secured by R. Gandhi (DMK), who defeated his nearest AIADMK rival, R. Thamizharasan by a margin of 32,095 votes in Ranipet. An analysis of the votes polled by the various candidates reveals that in this elections, the AIADMK's prospects have been greatly affected by the entry of film actor, Vijayakant's DMDK, whose candidates have stood third in 20 out of the 21 constituencies in the two districts, securing an average of 8,000 plus votes, eroding the vote bank of the AIADMK in at least six constituencies.

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