Photos: Chennai's Tambaram gets ready for first civic polls

Workers paint markers to the nearest poll both in Nerkundram on Wednesday. (TNN photos)

This times it is going to be a battle between relatives of MLAs, MPs, and former councillors in many wards as seen in the candidate list.

It is not illegal to field relatives, but many residents feel influence and wealth may play a key role during the campaigning.

Parties say the candidates have been selected based on their political experience.

More than 50% of the candidates are women.

21-year-old masters student files nomination for councillor post in Aminjikkarai.

Residents of erstwhile municipalities and town panchayats will elect 70 ward councillors against the 200 they elected for different local bodies.