Is TN's Tirunelveli Ready for Another Political Showdown with Nainar Nagenthran's Re-Election Bid?
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Synopsis
As the political landscape in Tamil Nadu shifts, the Tirunelveli Assembly constituency is a focal point with BJP's Nainar Nagenthran seeking re-election. Can the DMK mend its internal fractures and reclaim the seat, or will Nagenthran's dominance continue? Join us as we explore this intriguing political battle.
Key Takeaways
- Nainar Nagenthran has a long history of electoral success in Tirunelveli.
- The DMK is struggling with internal conflicts that may impact their election prospects.
- Nagenthran's party-switching has defined his political trajectory.
- Factionalism within the DMK is weakening its hold on the constituency.
- The upcoming elections will be a significant test for both parties.
Chennai, Nov 8 (NationPress) The Tirunelveli Assembly constituency, a politically significant arena in Tamil Nadu, is once again drawing attention as BJP State President Nainar Nagenthran gears up to pursue re-election. His association with this constituency has become almost legendary, characterized by consistent victories spanning over two decades, often crossing party lines.
Nagenthran first clinched the seat in 2001 as an AIADMK candidate, narrowly defeating A.L. Subramanian of the DMK by just 722 votes. This win earned him a position in Jayalalithaa's cabinet, where he managed significant portfolios like Transport, Electricity, and Industries.
Throughout various cabinet reshuffles, Jayalalithaa maintained her confidence in him, allowing him to remain a minister.
However, the tides turned in 2006 when the DMK regained control of Tirunelveli, as Subramanian defeated Nagenthran by 606 votes. Notably, Nagenthran's vote share grew by five percent compared to the previous election, signaling his increasing voter support.
In 2011, he made a remarkable comeback, defeating A. L. S. Lakshmanan of the DMK by a staggering 38,491 votes, marking one of the largest margins in the area.
Yet, despite his victory, he was not included in the cabinet for that term. The 2016 elections saw another setback as Lakshmanan reclaimed the seat for the DMK, defeating Nagenthran. Following this defeat, Nagenthran departed from the AIADMK and joined the BJP, a pivotal change in his political journey.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, now under the BJP banner, he once again triumphed over the DMK's Lakshmanan, demonstrating his enduring influence across party loyalties. His consecutive wins across various political platforms have solidified his standing as a dominant figure in Tirunelveli politics.
On the other hand, the DMK has been grappling with internal strife and factional disputes, diminishing its hold on the constituency.
Reports indicate that Lakshmanan, initially expected to win in 2021 and potentially receive a ministerial role, faced defeat primarily due to conflicts within the party.
After the elections, he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction regarding the management of his campaign, even contributing Rs 25 lakh from his own funds to the party leadership.
The ongoing conflict centers around Abdul Wahab, the Tirunelveli District Secretary, whose leadership has faced scrutiny. He was removed from his role previously but reinstated after about eighteen months.
Nevertheless, new allegations have arisen against him, and during Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's recent visit to Tenkasi and Thoothukudi, Wahab's reception event was canceled.
In a significant gesture, former District Secretary Maideen Khan and ex-MLA A.L.S. Lakshmanan greeted the Chief Minister unexpectedly, highlighting the rifts within the district leadership.
As the next Assembly elections loom, Nagenthran's candidacy from Tirunelveli appears to be a foregone conclusion. In contrast, the DMK's situation is precarious.
Numerous local leaders are already laying the groundwork, each hoping to secure the party ticket while factional tensions remain unresolved.
Sources claim Chief Minister Stalin has cautioned district executives that failure to reclaim Tirunelveli will result in a complete overhaul of the party's local leadership.
As we approach the 2026 elections, the Tirunelveli constituency serves as a microcosm of Tamil Nadu's evolving political landscape, where personal charisma, loyalty conflicts, and organizational discipline intersect.
The question remains whether the DMK can resolve its internal divisions and win back the seat, or if Nagenthran's dominance will prevail once again. This scenario is poised to be one of the most closely followed narratives in the upcoming elections.
Point of View
The upcoming elections in Tirunelveli encapsulate the broader trends within Tamil Nadu politics. Nainar Nagenthran's ability to transcend party loyalties showcases his political acumen, while the DMK's internal strife raises questions about their future stability. As we approach the elections, monitoring these developments will be crucial for understanding the region's political dynamics.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the political significance of Tirunelveli?
Tirunelveli is a crucial battleground in Tamil Nadu politics, reflecting broader trends and party dynamics in the region.
Who is Nainar Nagenthran?
Nainar Nagenthran is the BJP State President and a prominent political figure in Tirunelveli, known for his multiple victories across various elections.
What challenges does the DMK face in Tirunelveli?
The DMK is currently grappling with internal disputes and factionalism, which have weakened its position in the constituency.
What was the outcome of the 2021 elections in Tirunelveli?
In the 2021 Assembly elections, Nagenthran, representing the BJP, defeated the DMK's Lakshmanan, reaffirming his influence over party loyalties.
What does the future hold for Tirunelveli's political landscape?
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, the dynamics in Tirunelveli are expected to shift, with key players from both parties positioning themselves for the upcoming battle.
