Ground report: Caste, industry, and the Vijay factor in Kongu Nadu
The DMK is making a renewed push in western Tamil Nadu's Kongu belt, traditionally an AIADMK stronghold, with factors like caste loyalties, industry distress, and the 'Vijay factor' influencing voting. The DMK is banking on welfare schemes and its Dravidian ideological plank to shift the balance in its favor.
The DMK is attempting to break into the AIADMK's stronghold in western Tamil Nadu's Kongu belt. The region, comprising Coimbatore and Tiruppur, has been a bastion of the AIADMK due to entrenched caste networks. The DMK fielded three-time Karur MLA Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South, a move seen as a calculated bid to shift the balance. The party performed well in local body elections in Coimbatore district, and the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP may have complicated its position. Caste continues to play a significant role in voting, with the Kongu Vellalars dominating agriculture and industry. The DMK is hoping to capitalize on welfare schemes and its Dravidian ideology to gain traction.
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