Perambalur: BJP Fields Sitting MP T. R. Paarivendhar Against DMK's Political Scion Arun Nehru (image-X/Paarivendharmap)The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has fielded Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) founder and sitting MP T.R. Paarivendhar from the Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency, the stronghold of both DMK and AIADMK. The electoral battle in Perambalur is expected to be intense since the son of Municipal Administration Minister and Tiruchirappalli MLA K.N. Nehru, K.N. Arun Nehru, will be contesting the elections.
The competition is believed to be largely between the two Dravidian parties, with the DMK candidate facing off against AIADMK’s N.D. Chandramohan, the nephew of DMK Minister N. Selvaraj. However, being from the Udayar caste, which makes up a significant portion of the votes in the constituency, Mr. Paarivendhar does have an advantage. Additionally, he has provided free higher education for over 300 students from different parts of the Perambalur constituency.
The founder chairman of the SRM Group of Institutions, Mr. Paarivendhar, participated in the 2019 elections on the DMK symbol while being an IJK party member. In the 2016 state legislative assembly elections, his IJK party stood against the BJP. In the 2021 legislative assembly elections, his party aligned with Kamal Hassan’s Makkal Needi Malam. And now, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Paarivendhar has aligned himself with the BJP.
Mr. Paarivendhar was arrested by Chennai Central Crime Branch police in 2016 following several complaints from over 100 students who alleged that they had paid money for a medical seat at SRM College but were not admitted. Based on initial evidence, Mr. Paarivendhar was found cheating students of Rs 75 crore. The Saidapet magistrate court remanded Mr. Paarivendhar to 15 days in custody.
Another case has been filed in Madras High Court accusing Mr. Paarivendhar of occupying land worth Rs 371 crores designated for the Adi Dravidas (SC community) in Kattangolathur in Kanchipuram district for his SRM institution in 2016.
The local population has witnessed numerous protests demanding proper water supply after the region regularly suffered from a water shortage. Around 400 potter families have complained and requested previous candidates to ‘save’ their livelihood. One of the potters proposed for the same with Arun Nehru during his election campaign, reported The New Indian Express.
The Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency comprises Vidhan Sabhas including Kulithalai, Lalgudi, Manachanallur, Musiri, Thuraiyur (SC reserved), and Perambalur (SC reserved). There is an SC population of 20.04 percent and a Muslim population of 6.48 percent.