AIADMK has decided to retain the Thiruparankundram Assembly constituency in Madurai district, despite BJP pressing for the seat as part of alliance seat-sharing talks. The party has once again fielded sitting MLA Rajan Chellappa.
According to the report, BJP believed it had gained goodwill among Hindu voters following the Thiruparankundram hill “Deepa Thoon” issue, and wanted to convert that momentum into votes. On that basis, it sought allocation of both Thiruparankundram and Madurai South.
AIADMK leadership, however, was unwilling to concede Thiruparankundram, describing it as a stronghold and pointing to Chellappa’s standing in the constituency and his seniority. At the same time, the party was said to be open to giving Madurai South instead.
The report notes that Madurai South has previously elected AIADMK MLAs from the Saurashtra community, and the community has a significant presence in the constituency. With many among them described as supporters of Hindu organisations and the BJP, AIADMK was seen as more willing to part with that seat.
Thiruparankundram has largely remained an AIADMK bastion since 1991, with AIADMK MLAs continuing from 2011 onwards. The constituency also includes key facilities such as the AIIMS hospital site and the international airport, factors cited as reinforcing AIADMK’s decision not to give up the sitting seat.
