By Mukesh 
Kattumannarkoil, a hinterland around the sprawling Veeranarayanapuram (Veeranam) lake, is among the few constituencies where Dalits account for nearly 40% of the electorate, allowing them to determine the outcome, if properly mobilised. As Vanniyars are present in comparable numbers, the electoral contest in the Kattumannarkoil (SC) constituency could turn out to be a humdinger.
While the VCK is seeking to consolidate its dominance, the PMK is looking to rewire the caste equations in the northern districts that gave the party stellar wins before 2011. The contest this time looks evenly balanced, with Adi Dravidar and Muslim voters aligning with the DMK alliance, and Vanniyars consolidating behind the AIADMK alliance.