Villivakkam is the largest legislative assembly constituency in Chennai. Though the delimitation has narrowed its boundaries and carved out new constituencies like Ambattur, Maduravoyal, Kolathur, Madhavaram and Virugampakkam, Villivakkam remains big by absorbing some areas of the erstwhile Purasawalkam constituency.
The constituency now comprises Divisions 55 to 58 and 63 and 64 of Chennai Corporation - Viduthalai Guruswamy Nagar (South) (Division 55), Ayanavaram (56), Nagammaiyar Nagar (South) (57), Panneerselvam Nagar (58), Villivakkam (North) (63) and Villivakkam (South) (64). While a sizeable population in Villivakkam and ICF comprises railway and private company employees, Ayanavaram, the new addition in the constituency, is predominantly a labour-oriented area and some slums. A few parts of Anna Nagar West also has found place in the constituency. While K Anbazhagan, DMK general secretary, has shifted from Harbour constituency to contest here, JCD Prabhakar, AIADMK candidate, is making a comeback after 1984.
Name: JCD Prabhakar
Age: 59
Party: AIADMK
Education: BL
Experience in politics: 39 years
Total asset value: Rs 7 crore (approx)
Native: Tiruchirapalli district
THE blue-eyed boy of the late MGR, JCD Prabhakar says that he introduced the free noon meal scheme for underprivileged college boys when he was studying at Loyola.
His entry into the election committee was at the age of 27 and in 1984, JCD Prabhakar became the personal speaker on behalf of the ruling party, according to him. He contested from Villivakkam twice and was elected as its MLA in 1980. JCD Prabhakar later joined the Tamil Maanila Congress led by late Moopanar and was with the Congress after TMC’s merger with it.
Problems in the constiuency: Villivakkam constituency faces many civic problems and it needs a person who can be easily accessible. The other regular problems faced by the people in this constiuency are sewage block and poor roads.
“There are also a lack of community halls and I will take measures to build a few in Villivakkam and Ayanavaram,” he says. “There is no government engineering college or a full-fledged hospital in Villivakkam and the previous elected minister, Ranganathan, didn’t even bother to visit the constituency in last five years. The railway bridge project has been pending for more than five years.
To finish that will be my utmost prioirity after I win this election. I will develop Villivakkam as a model constituency.” A word about the opponent: “There is little chance for DMK to win this election and no doubt that AIADMK is going to rule the state. People are looking for some change in the state. DMK has changed the whole format of democracy into ‘Buy the people, Off the people and Far the people’.
Even if Anbazhagan is a senior and a strong candidate, nothing can change the truth that I’m the David and he will be the Goliath.” How did he get the seat? “I’ve been the MLA and contested in Vilivakkam constiuency twice. I took a paadayaatra to every street in this constiuency just to understand the grievance of people. I connect very well with the public and I have a strong support of them.”
Name: K Anbazhagan
Age: 89
Party: DMK
Education: MA Honours
Experience in politics: 62 years
Total asset value: `1.5 crore (approx)
Native: Kattoor in Thiruvarur
A man of simple living, Anbazhagan is one of the senior most politicians in the DMK party to contest in this election. He has been elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly nine times and has been serving as the DMK’s general secretary since 1977. A well respected politician, rarely does the Oppostion attack him. Born in Kattoor near Thiruvarur, in 1922, this veteran did his schooling in the municipal high school, Mayiladuthurai.
He had obtained MA (Tamil) from Annamalai University and has worked as a lecturer in Pachaiyyapa’s College for a while.
With his vast political experience, he has bailed out the party several times from the tight spots.
Problems in the contituency: “Many schemes have been introduced recently, so I will ensure that they are completed, be it distribution of TV sets, gas stoves or coverage under the Kalaignar Health Insurance scheme. I will take steps to provide more parks in the area and renovate TNSCB flats. Priority will be given to solve problems pertaining to drinking water supply and sewage disposal. The long-pending demand of pattas for huts near Chetty Street, Ayanavaram, will also be addressed.” About the opponent: “I have no comments about it.
It’s a huge battle and we always hope for good things to happen.” How did he get the seat? “I live a simple life. I have been in politics for very long time and have always had a clean record. From 1957 to till now, I have won most of the elections. I used to stand in the harbour constituency for many years, now I moved to Vilivakkam because the Islamic population have taken over the harbour.”