Ms Jayalalithaa's arch rival, the DMK, led by 92 -year-old MK Karunanidhi, has given just 41 seats to the Congress. (File Photo)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa will launch her election campaign on Saturday from the RK Nagar constituency. This seat in North Chennai became 68-year-old Ms Jayalalithaa's home turf last year when she won by a margin of a lakh and a half votes after she was acquitted in a major corruption case.
Recently, in a clear indication that she would seek a second term from here, the affordable broadband scheme was launched in the RK Nagar constituency.
"Amma would be the next chief minister, no other party would win. She would get a hundred out of hundred," said Kamakshi, a housewife.
"Thanks to all her schemes, people of RK Nagar will make her win with two lakh margin," said a vendor, Ramakrishnan.
The Tamil Nadu assembly has 234 seats. Ms Jayalalithaa's party, the ruling AIADMK, will contest 227, leaving just seven for its allies, all small parties. AISMK chief and former actor Sarath Kumar will contest from Tiruchendur.
Ms Jayalalithaa's arch rival, the DMK, led by 92 -year-old MK Karunanidhi, has given just 41 seats to the Congress, a big cut - in the last state election, the Congress was allowed 63 seats by Mr Karunanidhi. Disaster ensued. The Congress won just 5 seats, giving it little leverage in this time's election.
Traditionally, Chennai used to be the stronghold of the DMK, but after the 2006 elections, the city turned into AIADMK's bastion. However, during the recent floods in Chennai, the ruling AIADMK came under criticism for its inadequate response. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa did not visit affected areas till fingers were pointed. The DMK hopes the anti-incumbency would help the party to reclaim the city.