Over half of the candidates list has been out in the open since the day talks of candidature began. The three Chennai seats are most likely to go to members of three prominent DMK families. While Dayanidhi Maran has his name written all over minority rich Central Chennai, the upwardly mobile South Chennai would most likely go to Tamilachi Thangapandian, sister of former minister Thangam Thennarasu and North Chennai to party veteran Arcot N Veerasamy’s son Dr Kalanithi. 

Sources privy to the candidature said that a relative of AIADMK leader Madhusudhanan, who was close to DMK leadership could also make a bid for the South Chennai seat. A seasoned party principal headquarters secretary TR Baalu, who had unsuccessfully contested in a rural Thanjavur would shift to predominantly urban Sriperumbudur. His erstwhile cabinet colleague and liquor baron Jagathratchakan, who preferred the Upper House could test the waters in Vanniyar dominated Arakkonam. One Annadurai is tipped to be in the race for Kancheepuram (reserve) seat. 

Vellore would see heir of one of the heavyweights of the party. Duraimurugan’s son Kathir Anand would face his maiden election from native Vellore, while former minister K Ponmudi’s son Gowtham Sigamani could also make his electoral debut from Kallakurichi, which the ex-minister was learnt to have secured for his son after putting some back breaking effort. 

Former minister EV Velu was understood to have put his weight behind two names, including one CN Annadurai in Tiruvannamalai. In neighbouring Cuddalore, former health minister MRK Panneerselvam’s son Kathiravan has emerged the front runner.  Candidature of former ministers A Raja (Nilgiris), SS Palanimanickam (Thanjavur) and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi) are a foregone conclusion. 

A close relative of former minister Pongalur N Palanisami could be another heir making his foray into electoral politics this time (Pollachi). Former MLA Ramalingam and local functionary Jagaveerapandian are tipped to be favourites for Mayiladuthurai constituency. 

The much talked about Tirunelveli seat has been reserved for a candidate cherry picked by a leading sand miner cum media baron from the region, while one Dr Prabhu, believed to be close to the DMK first family, would be pitted against the candidate of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in Salem. 

Meanwhile, the DMK has formed a 12 member election work committee headed by its legal advisor NR Elango to take up the problems faced by cadre during election in districts with the high command. Earlier, Tamizhaga Valvurimai Katchi leader Velumurugan met Stalin at Anna Arivalayam and offered his support.