BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan marches ahead in Coimbatore South
Coimbatore South has become one of the most closely observed constituencies for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Though the constituency does not see an ex-MLA or an incumbent Minister from the two Dravidian parties contesting, the constituency has obtained prominence with Makkal Needhi Maiam chief actor-politician Kamal Haasan contesting from the constituency. However, the pulse on the ground seems to be in favour of the daughter-of-the soil – BJP’s National Women’s Wing President Vanathi Srinivasan.
During the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan had gone on a door-to-door campaign canvassing for votes. She came third polling 33113 votes, when the BJP went all alone without alliance with any party. At that time, many in her constituency saw her as the candidate who would fulfil all their requests and grievances. Despite not winning the seat back then, Vanathi Srinivasan proactively fulfilled the requests of her constituency people through her initiative ‘Kovai Makkal Sevai Maiyam’.
Apart from the regular social and political activities, Vanathi Srinivasan has been the brand ambassador for the Central Government’s schemes in Coimbatore. Helping small scale vendors and traders get PM-MUDRA loans, enrolling eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, opening of bank account for girl children through the ‘Selva Magal Semippu Thittam’ (Prime Minister’s Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme) has brought her closer to people.
“In the last Assembly elections, she was able to get more than 30,000 votes standing alone. This time AIADMK is also extending their support. She will definitely win”, an excited Manikandan says who drives auto for a living. He also added that his daughter had received a job through one of the job fairs organized by Kovai Makkal Sevai Maiyam along with CADD Centre.
But just development politics will alone not work in Tamil Nadu as the state is known for its ‘welfare’-ism. With the BJP leader promising a free induction stove for housewives if she wins, she seems to have hit the right button with the women folk of the constituency too.
“Vanathi Akka is very approachable. She has promised an induction stove for us. My vote is for thamarai (lotus) only”, says Jeyalakshmi from Sidhapudur area.
The BJP in Coimbatore has a good organizational presence and a sizeable vote bank. With AIADMK as the strong alliance partner, Vanathi’s prospects looks brighter. It is expected that the Muslim and Christian votes (so called ‘secular’ votes) would be split between Makkal Needhi Maiam and Indian National Congress, further consolidating her chances.
With respect to Vanathi Srinivasan, her humble origins from an agricultural family and her rise up in her professional and political career have clicked with the aspirational middle class who form a substantial population in Coimbatore. Her understanding of the region’s problems, her engagements with the business leaders of the Kongu region and her connect with national leaders add to her advantage. Apart from that she is seen as the daughter-of-the-soil who is into politics full time.
Will Vanathi represent the aspirations of Coimbatore South constituency in the Assembly? We will know on May 2.
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