Tamil Nadu elections: Symbol switch puts spotlight on Orathanadu contest

Orathanadu in Thanjavur district is witnessing an unusual contest, with familiar faces from the DMK and AIADMK fronts now fighting under different symbols. R Vaithilingam, once a prominent AIADMK leader in the Cauvery delta and a close aide of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, is contesting on the DMK's rising sun — a symbol he opposed for over two decades. His main challenger is AIADMK's M Sekar, a former colleague who had contested on the AMMK's cooker symbol in 2021.With both leading candidates entering their first election after switching sides, voters face a choice between party loyalty and individual appeal. Vaithilingam's loyalists say he was persuaded by his family to join the DMK in January after leaving O Panneerselvam's faction. His move is also seen as an attempt to secure his political future while preparing to pass on the mantle to his son. His prospects now hinge on retaining Orathanadu, a constituency dominated by the Kallar community. The shift also comes at a time when the DMK lacks a strong local leader in Thanjavur following the deaths of senior leaders Ko Si Mani and SNM Ubayadullah. "DMK functionaries who expected a ticket are now working for him. Beyond the party and symbol, he has an individual vote bank," said Bayal Raj, a local functionary who joined the DMK with Vaithilingam. "He does not differentiate on caste lines, which is why Scheduled Caste communities support him." AIADMK cadres, however, have reacted sharply to his switch. "He was a senior leader when Amma was alive. Our cadres will stand by the two leaves. We will win and teach him a lesson," said P Selvam, a senior AIADMK functionary. While Vaithilingam retains influence in rural pockets, Sekar is considered strong in Orathanadu town. Under his leadership, the AMMK won nine of 15 wards in the town panchayat in 2022, where he served as chairman. AIADMK is also banking on the AMMK's return to the NDA to consolidate votes. With all major candidates belonging to the same community, a unified caste vote appears unlikely. Parties are instead looking to Dalit and other backward class voters for an edge. Campaigns have also centred on reinforcing party symbols to avoid voter confusion, with both DMK and AIADMK relying heavily on wall graffiti. TVK's K Aravind and NTK's S Thirumurugan are expected to split youth and anti-incumbency votes. "Not just Orathanadu, the DMK will sweep the entire Cauvery delta again," Vaithilingam said.