Although a multi-cornered contest stares Tamil Nadu for Assembly polls, the fight essentially is between ruling AIADMK and the rest, with DMK continuing to be the prime contender and DMDK-PWF trying aggressively to emerge as an alternative, as a heated campaign has begun.
Allotting only seven seats to allies, AIADMK is contesting in 227 constituencies in the May 16 polls.
Though DMK is expected to contest 176 constituencies, today's launch of "Makkal DMDK," a breakaway group of DMDK steered by V C Chandrakumar, has led to speculation that it might get a few seats.
Chandrakumar, however, declined to spell out his outfit's stand categorically. "We will talk with DMK leadership if we are invited. I don't want to comment anything about contesting polls now," he told PTI.
He said the outfit was intended to be a "bridge" between the people and disillusioned DMDK functionaries to facilitate a "change of regime and put in place a democratic government." Makkal DMDK functionaries were expelled from the party for asking the leadership to align with DMK.
DMK has allotted 58 seats to its allies - Congress (41), IUML (5), MMK (5), smaller parties, including Puthiya Tamizhagam (7).
While Jayalalithaa began her campaign yesterday here, DMK treasurer M K Stalin has embarked on 'Thinnai Pracharam' (verandah campaign) by going door-to-door, distributing pamphlets and meeting voters in person.
AIADMK has also begun campaigning door-to-door and is holding public meetings as well.
Stalin started his 'Thinnai Pracharam' in RK Nagar, Jayalalithaa's constituency, and he has also covered Thousand Lights, and Saidapet in the city. He has asked his party women's wing functionaries to visit every household and seek votes.
AIADMK's ally AISMK chief Sarathkumar too began his campaign in Tiruchendur.
DMDK chief Vijayakanth is all set to hit the campaign trail tomorrow from Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district.
DMDK-People's Welfare Front (PWF) mega poll rally is scheduled to be held later this evening at Mamandur in Kancheepuram District.
Identification of seats and a first list of candidates of the parties are expected to be unveiled at the meet.
In the DMDK-PWF combine, DMDK will contest 104 seats, MDMK
29, TMC 26, CPI(M) 25, CPI 25 and VCK 25.
Electioneering is picking up after developments like Tamil Maanila Congress led by G K Vasan, which was expected to go with AIADMK, joining the DMDK-PWF combine yesterday.
Now, PWF comprises Vaiko-led MDMK, TMC, CPI(M), CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi headed by Thol Thirumavalavan.
Meanwhile, PMK Lok Sabha MP and party's Chief Ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss launched a bicycle campaign here today and told reporters that his party manifesto and list of candidates would be out this week.
He is also touring the state as part of his "Ungal Oor, Ungal Anbumani," (Your town, your Anbumani) campaign, promising a corruption-free, alcohol-free regime that provides free health and education avenues.
BJP, which unsuccessfully tried to retain its NDA partners - importantly DMDK - will go it alone and the party is engaged in bringing its party leaders for campaigning.
Party chief Amit Shah is expected to address a rally at Tiruchirappalli on April 13. Special multi-media campaign vans of the saffron party will also hit the campaign trail.
Smaller outfits like Naam Tamizhar Katchi, a Tamil nationalist party led by filmmaker-turned-politician Seeman, a former ally of the AIADMK is also in the fray.
Seeman, like his party's other candidates has begun his campaign. He is contesting in Cuddalore, a region badly hit during last year's heavy rains.
SDPI, which expected allocation of seats from DMK, today announced that it would fight the polls alone.
An unexpected entrant to the electoral arena is the All India Majlis-E-Ittihadul Musilmeen party of Asaduddin Owaisi.
Yesterday, Owaisi addressed a public meeting at Vaniyambadi in Vellore district, where Muslims form a sizable chunk of population, seeking votes for his party's candidates in Vaniyambadi and Krishnagiri constituencies.
