AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami released the party’s second list of candidates on Friday for the April 23 assembly polls. This list includes 127 names, bringing the total to 150 candidates when combined with the first list of 23 names.
Most sitting MLAs have been renominated, showing the party’s strategy to rely on experienced incumbents. Notable individuals like former Speaker P Dhanapal and ex-ministers Sevoor S Ramachandran and M Paranjothi were excluded from this year’s elections.
The second list features 46 sitting MLAs, highlighting the leadership’s preference for familiar faces in electioneering. Additionally, sixteen women candidates have been included, with Leema Rose, wife of lottery baron Martin, being a notable addition after she joined AIADMK recently.
Only one Muslim candidate is fielded from Palayamkottai, indicating minimal minority representation in the list. The party has yet to announce candidates for 15 constituencies excluding Royapuram, with senior functionaries likely to be nominated in those seats.
By renominating many existing MLAs, AIADMK aims to leverage their local influence and organizational strength ahead of the polls.