With the filing of nominations for the April 19 Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coming to a close on Wednesday, three major fronts, led by the DMK, the AIADMK, and the BJP, have together fielded less than 15% of women candidates. The NTK, however, has again fielded women in 20 of the 40 (50%) constituencies.
Of the 12 women candidates fielded by the three fronts, six belong to the BJP-led NDA; five, the DMK-led INDIA; and one, the AIADMK-led alliance. The DMK renominated its general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi from Thoothukudi and Thamizhachi Thangapandian from Chennai (South). The BJP has fielded Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned from her gubernatorial posts, for Chennai (South).
In Tenkasi (SC), the DMK has fielded Rani Srikumar, a new entrant. The Congress has fielded S. Jothimani in Karur again. R. Sudha of the Mahila Congress will enter the fray for the first time from Mayiladuthurai.
