CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday released the party’s second list of candidates for the April 23 assembly polls, announcing 127 nominees and taking the total to 150, including the 23 names in the first list. With this, the party has largely retained its sitting legislators, signalling continuity in its electoral strategy. Former Speaker P Dhanapal and former ministers Sevoor S Ramachandran and M Paranjothi were left out, while senior functionary S Semmalai opted out of the race.The list shows that almost all sitting MLAs have been renominated. As many as 46 sitting legislators have found place in the second list, indicating the leadership’s preference to rely on incumbents and their experience in electioneering. The move is seen as an attempt to consolidate the party’s existing vote base and avoid internal dissent ahead of the polls.Sixteen women candidates have been included in the list. The party has fielded one Muslim candidate, who will contest from Palayamkottai, leaving minority representation minimal.Lottery baron Martin’s wife Leema Rose has been nominated for the Lalgudi constituency. She recently quit the IJK and joined the AIADMK. Her inclusion is among the notable picks in the second list.Excluding Royapuram, the party leadership is yet to announce candidates for the remaining 15 constituencies in Chennai. Sources said senior functionaries and district secretaries are likely to be fielded in these constituencies.By renominating a large number of sitting MLAs, the AIADMK leadership appears to be banking on incumbency, local influence and organisational strength ahead of the polls.
