Chennai, April 4 (IANS) Actor-director Sundar C formally entered the electoral arena on Saturday, filing his nomination to contest from the Madurai Central Assembly constituency in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections.

His candidature has added star power to what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the State.

Sundar C is contesting as part of the AIADMK-led alliance, representing the Puthiya Neethi Katchi, and will fight the election on the AIADMK’s iconic ‘Two Leaves’ symbol.

The move signals a strategic push by the alliance to leverage his popularity among voters, particularly in urban constituencies.

The nomination filing took place amid visible enthusiasm from party cadres and supporters. Accompanying him on the occasion were his wife, actor Khushbu Sundar, and senior party leader A. C. Shanmugam, along with other alliance functionaries. The presence of prominent political and film personalities underscored the significance the alliance is placing on this constituency.

Madurai Central is expected to witness a multi-cornered and highly competitive battle.

Sundar C will face seasoned politician Palanivel Thiaga Rajan of the DMK, who currently holds considerable influence in the region.

The contest will also feature VMS Mustafa representing the TVK and K. Abdul Hakeem of the NTK, making it a complex electoral fight with multiple players vying for voter attention.

Political observers note that Sundar C’s entry could alter traditional voting patterns, especially if he succeeds in attracting undecided and younger voters. However, he will have to contend with established political networks and grassroots machinery of rival parties, particularly the DMK, which has a strong base in Madurai.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, with the counting of votes set for May 4.

The nomination process, which commenced on March 30, will conclude on April 6, marking the final phase before campaigning intensifies across the State.

As the election battle gathers momentum, all eyes will be on Madurai Central, where cinema and politics have converged to create a high-stakes electoral showdown.

–IANS

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