Tirupur: In Tirupur district, both the AIADMK and the DMK are relying heavily on alliance arithmetic as they prepare for a closely watched electoral contest in one of the western Tamil Nadu’s most economically important regions.Tirupur, carved out of Coimbatore in 2009, has grown into the state’s seventh largest city and remains a major engine of employment and exports. Known as “Dollar City,” it is home to more than 20,000 knitwear and garment-related units, including a large number of MSMEs, and generates an annual turnover of about 1.2 lakh crore through exports and domestic trade. The district’s industrial profile once made it a fertile ground for CPI and CPM, which had a strong base among textile workers in Tirupur city. That influence has weakened over time, with local observers saying the Left failed to expand and retain support among workers in urban and suburban industrial belts. Even so, the CPI remains relevant through alliance politics. The DMK has allotted Tirupur North to the CPI, a constituency created in 2009 and won by the AIADMK in the last three assembly elections, underlining its dependence on partners in difficult terrain. Tirupur South is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests. The constituency falls entirely within the Tirupur City Municipal Corporation limits and has more than 1.9 lakh voters. Of these, around 40,000 voters belong to the Muslim community, making minority voting patterns potentially decisive. The DMK has fielded Tirupur corporation mayor Dineshkumar, who is believed by party functionaries to have strong access to minority voters. His proximity to deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin adds heft to his choice. DMK insiders say that if he wins, he could be considered for a ministerial berth. In Kangeyam, the DMK has again fielded sitting MLA M P Saminathan. However, party sources admit the seat may be difficult this time. There is dissatisfaction among some local functionaries, who feel he did not adequately support the cadres. If the party machinery does not work cohesively, the contest could become challenging for the DMK. Saminathan is said to have preferred a shift to Tirupur South, but the party retained him in Kangeyam. The AIADMK has fielded former MLA N S N Nataraj there, and the party is considered strong in the constituency. Avinashi, a reserved constituency, has long been an AIADMK stronghold, with the party having won five consecutive assembly elections there. This time, however, the AIADMK has allotted the seat to the BJP, reflecting the importance of alliance coordination. Union minister L Murugan is likely to contest and has already begun groundwork after meeting party cadres. Palladam is another seat where the AIADMK has won five straight times. The constituency includes a large rural segment of Tirupur district. While the AIADMK starts with an advantage, the DMK and its allies are seen as capable of mounting a serious challenge if they campaign effectively. In Udumalpet and Madathukulam too, past election trends suggest AIADMK strength, though the DMK is still seen as having a possible path to victory through sustained alliance-backed mobilisation.
