DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wins Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi by humongous margin

DMK MP Kanimozhi, son of former five time Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi won against AIADMK's Sivasamy Velumani, in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukkudi constituency.

Updated on: Jun 5, 2024, 09:32:43 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi won by a margin of 3,92,738 votes in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukkudi constituency, reported the Election Commission of India (ECI) website. Kanimozhi secured a whooping 5,40,729 votes.

DMK Member of Parliament Kanimozhi. (HT PHOTO)

DMK deputy general secretary’s closest rival on the seat was All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate R Sivasamy Velumani is trailing behind with 1,47,991 votes.

Also read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE

Kanimozhi, the daughter of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, joined politics in 2007 when she was elected to the Rajya Sabha at the age of 39. Firmly rooted in Dravidian ideology, the 56-year-old politician began her career as a journalist.

She made her political debut in 2007 with election to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu and re-elected to the upper house of Parliament in 2013 as well. During her tenure, Kanimozhi was member of several key committees of Ministry of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development and Health and Family Welfare.

In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she defeated Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamilisai Soundararajan with a major vote margin of 35.03%. Kanimozhi was polled 56.81% votes, while her rival received 35.03%.

Also read: Election Results 2024 LIVE News

Toothukkudi Lok Sabha seat covers six assembly constituencies including Tiruchendur, Ottapidaram, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi, Srivaikuntam, and Kovilpatti. The constituency went to polls in the first phase on April 19 and recorded a voter turnout of 70.93%, a slight increase from the previous election’s turnout of 69.48%.

The DMK MP was also named in the 2G scam case in 2011. The national auditor had alleged massive irregularities in the allocation of 2G licences during A Raja’s tenure as telecom minister.

Later in December 2017, both Kanimozhi and Raja were acquitted in the case after the prosecution failed to prove the charges against them.

The Lok Sabha polls for 543 seats were held in seven phases starting from April 19. The Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking a rare third term at the Centre with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Lok Sabha Elections

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.