While M. Karunanidhi is not battling anti-incumbency, the aiadmk has gained substantial ground compared to its lacklustre performance in 1996. Observes cpi state unit secretary R. Nallakannu: "In 1996, the mood was decisively against Jayalalitha. In many constituencies, her candidates were stopped from campaigning. But this time there is no such anger."
The dmk had hoped that Jayalalitha's disqualification would demoralise the aiadmk front. Indeed, state law minister Alladi Aruna had predicted that like a headless army, Jayalalitha's cadre would be in total disarray. But the aiadmk cadre have taken the election as a 'do-or-die' battle. In many...

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