The port city of Thoothukudi found itself in massive uproar after the peaceful anti-Sterlite protests turned violent and claimed the lives of 13 people a year ago. Tension is high in the city and the BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan and DMK’s Kanimozhi are key candidates of the region.
Thoothukudi: One of the major key constituencies in Tamil Nadu is none other than Thoothukudi. The port city has made it to the headlines on several occasions in the last year.
The most prominent incident that the city is still struggling to come to terms with is the shooting that took place during the protests of the Sterlite copper smelter.
As many as 13 innocent lives were lost during the protest and the incident only created tension in the region.
Political analysts also agree that this anger has been etched deep in their hearts and will definitely influence the election.
The DMK has chosen Kanimozhi, daughter of late leader M Karunanidhi against BJP’s Tamil Nadu president Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Both the contestants have chosen Thoothukudi for their electoral debut.
Alongside these two prominent leaders, is Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam candidate M Bhuvaneshwaran who is also contesting from here.
The constituency banks on the Nadar community to tip the scales. However, both Kanimozhi and Tamilisai belong to the same Nadar community.
Thoothukudi faces drinking water crisis and the city has been battling unemployment, ever since the Sterlite factory has been shut down.
The region has also demanded for the expansion of Thoothukudi harbour and runway facilities.
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