While poll pundits have predicted that the AIADMK-BJP combine may have heavy anti-incumbency in Tuticorin, in the aftermath of the Sterlite shootings last year, it may not mean more votes for the DMK either. This is largely because several anti-Sterlite protesters have told CNBC-TV18 that they are losing faith in both the Dravidian giants.

“The AIADMK government is fighting the case (TN Government vs Sterlite Copper) in court and is trying to offer some kind of confidence,” conceded Fathima Babu, head of Anti-Sterlite People’s Movement.

“On the other hand, the DMK, which also aided in the growth of the industry, is trying to offer some comfort saying they will close the industry. But somehow, in the city, the people have not taken either of these parties seriously.”

Ever since the Sterlite shootings in May 2018, Tuticorin has been a hotbed of anti-incumbency against the ruling AIADMK government. So, it comes as no surprise that on April 18, the party’s ally, the BJP, will find the going tough in the port city. To its credit, the BJP has fielded a tough competitor in state president, Tamilisai Soundararajan, who is quick to declare that there are electoral issues aside of Sterlite Copper to discuss — like jobs and development.

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While the DMK has stopped short of mentioning ‘Sterlite Copper’ in its manifesto, its candidate, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has taken a pronounced anti-Sterlite stance in her interactions with the electorate. However, some of Tuticorin’s anti-Sterlite protesters, who will vote on Thursday, say that they will vote for the DMK, because they are left with no other option.

“We don’t want the BJP or Chief Minister Edapadi Palaniswami to assume power, especially after the shootings last year. So, we’re left with no other option but to vote for the DMK,” said D Sagayam, the president of the Port Trust Lorry Drivers’ Association, in Tuticorin.

Other protesters feel the time ripe for smaller, regional parties to be given their due. “TTV Dinakaran has started a party of his own. There are parties like the Naam Tamilar Katchi and Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiyam, all of whom are contesting on their own,” noted J Ashok, Treasurer, Mechanized Vessels Labour Union, “Who says we can’t give these parties a chance? The DMK and AIADMK aren’t the only two parties we have.”

This dissonance among what the DMK would have acknowledged as an anti-Sterlite vote bank could mean splitting of votes — a situation that it will be desperate to avoid. Smaller parties are also sniffing a rare opportunity to gain a foothold in a region that has largely seen only one of the two big regional parties assuming power.

First Published:Apr 12, 2019 1:19 PM IST