Where DMK digs its own grave: Factionalism Mars Party’s Chances In Pollachi & Mettupalayam Constituencies

Coimbatore: It's the factionalism in DMK that helps AIADMK keep on winning Pollachi constituency. Last time, DMK had the sensational Pollachi sexual assault case in its hand to deliver a big blow to then sitting MLA Pollachi V Jayaraman, whom AIADMK fielded again in the constituency. But DMK, marred by factionalism, failed to capitalize on the case, in which Jayaraman's family members were named.More than five factions of DMK are present in Pollachi constituency. And these factions seem to have vowed not to work together. If a DMK functionary from a faction is offered an MLA seat, rest of the four factions would work to ensure that candidate's defeat. This common practice always ensures AIADMK's victory. Realizing that it had to address the factionalism if the party wanted to rewrite the history in this constituency, DMK has this time allocated the seat to Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK). While it could be considered a wise move, the question is whether all the five factions would work for the victory of KMDK candidate. If this move fails to yield desired results, the seat would as usual go to AIADMK, which has again confided its trust on Pollachi V Jayaraman. According to an AIADMK functionary, party supporters and members in the remote villages of the constituency are unlikely to vote for another party candidate. "This isn't the case with DMK votes. It's the factions that decide whom to vote for. If DMK fields a tough candidate, the constituency will see a tough fight." The residents and farmers in the constituency are, meanwhile, disappointed with both DMK and AIADMK, as the Dravidian parties have long been neglecting their demand to bifurcate Pollachi from Coimbatore district and declare it a separate district. Whether it would reflect in their voting decision should be waited and seen. Farmers could easily swing the chances towards any party in the constituency that's known as the coconut capital of Tamil Nadu. Coconut pith, fibre and coir industries are well established in and around Pollachi, and pith products are exported to several countries. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural economy in this region. In Valparai (reserved) assembly constituency too, AIADMK could count on continuing its winning streak. The constituency has not had an MLA since the demise of AIADMK's Amul Kandasamy in June 2025. It was AIADMK that the constituency favoured in the last two outings, thanks to the large base of tea estate workers and their families. With the decline in the number of voters in the hilly areas, the party may this time see erosion in its vote bank. Also, thousands of guest workers are flocking to the hill retreat to work in tea estates. For DMK, it's a seat that the party usually allocates to its alliance parties. It's plans for this election would be known only on Saturday evening. While Valparai is a tourist destination, it doesn't generate huge revenue like Udhagamandlam in the Nilgiris district. Locals have been urging the govt to create more tourism infrastructure, but with little success. Another haunting issue for the locals is the ever-growing man-animal conflict in the region. These issues may have a say in the voting decision of people. Sulur assembly constituency is another AIADMK stronghold in Coimbatore district. Its emergence as an investment hub, especially with the state govt establishing a defence park, may help DMK make inroads into the constituency. Several new projects are also being implemented in and around Sulur, increasing its economic importance. Only time will tell whether it could leave a dent on the AIADMK vote bank. Mettupalayam constituency would also be a cake walk for AIADMK, if DMK doesn't address the issue of factionalism. AIADMK has fielded its former MLA O K Chinnaraj in the constituency this time to woo the Okkaliga Gowder community votes. "A large number of Okkaliga Gowders are residing at Karamadai, Mettupalayam and surrounding areas. Since Chinnaraj belongs to the community, the party is eying to consolidate their votes by fielding him," said a party source. Last time, DMK had given a tough fight to AIADMK in the constituency. If the party works as a single unit, this time DMK could grab the seat. However, if the party factions work against each other, it wouldn't be able to make any impact in the seat.