CHENNAI: As smaller parties rally behind the Dravidian majors, ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK have allowed their allies in a direct duel in 21 constituencies in the April 23 Assembly election to prove their strength in their respective strongholds.
These smaller parties, divided among the two major combines - the SPA (under the DMK) and the AIADMK-led NDA - will have the backing of the Dravidian majors, respectively, but they would have to eventually demonstrate their individual influence among the voters in the seats they are contesting.
Former film director Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi and actor-politician Vijay-led TVK are in the fray in all 234 constituencies in the state but are contesting on their own.
The two parties bank heavily on their respective leaders.
The arch-rivals-- DMK and AIADMK, are locked in a direct contest in 121 constituencies.
The Congress will take on the PMK (NDA) in Sholinghur, Pennagaram, Mayiladuthurai, DMDK (SPA) will fight it out against its former ally the PMK in Dharmapuri, Polur, Salem (West), Virudhachalam.
Another ally of the DMK viz.the Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK is pitted against the PMK in Kattumannarkoil and Tiruporur.
The Congress will slug it out with the BJP and AMMK (NDA) in Udhagamandalam, Aranthangi, Vilavancode, Killiyoor, and Colachel.
The Left parties will compete with the BJP in Gandharvakottai, Padmanabhapuram, Thalli, and Kilvelur.
The Congress will challenge the AMMK in Karaikudi and Nanguneri and VCK will take on the AMMK in Periyakulam.
The DMK, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance, is contesting from 175 seats, while the AIADMK is in the fray in 169 constituencies.
Single phase elections to 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23, with the counting slated for May 4.