Unusual last-minute shifts in candidate line-ups have become a talking point in the ongoing election season, with party workers reporting uncertainty as names change close to nomination deadlines.
In Ranipet, the DMK had announced Vinoth, son of Minister Gandhi, as its candidate—after the minister himself was not given the seat. On Sunday, Vinoth said he would give up the ticket in favour of his father, citing the latter’s wish to contest. The move, coming on the last day for filing nominations, has reportedly added to confusion within the party.
In Hosur (Krishnagiri district), the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) saw multiple changes within a week. Actor and party leader Vijay had first announced Manjunath as the candidate, but after he withdrew, Ambareesh was named. Later, the party’s Krishnagiri West district secretary Vendharkkarasan (also known as Vadivel) filed nomination claiming he was the candidate, creating further uncertainty.
Within the DMK alliance, the Congress released its candidate list after delays, initially naming candidates for 27 of its 28 seats and later finalising former MP Viswanathan for Melur. Reports said party functionaries confronted him during a meeting, leading to an argument.
In Puducherry, seat-sharing talks between the DMK and Congress reportedly remained unresolved even after nominations closed, prompting both parties to file nominations in all 30 constituencies. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) also filed nominations in four seats, but later said it would contest only in Uzhavarkarai and asked voters not to support its nominees in the other three seats. Separately, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan first said he would contest from Kattumannarkoil in Tamil Nadu, later reversing the decision and announcing Jothimani, son of late leader Ilaiyaperumal, as the party’s candidate there.
