As the countdown to the April 23 Assembly elections begins, Tamil Nadu’s political heavyweights, the DMK and AIADMK, have officially shifted into high gear. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin today released the primary list of candidates for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. In a strategic move, the party has fielded heavyweights in key constituencies, with Stalin himself contesting from Kolathur and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin from Chepauk-Triplicane. Interestingly, the DMK has also fielded O. Panneerselvam from Bodinayakkanur, signaling a complex shift in Dravidian alliances.On the other side, the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), released its second list, retaining 30 sitting legislators to ensure stability. Former minister S.P. Velumani expressed immense confidence in Coimbatore, claiming the alliance would secure 210 seats. However, the alliance isn't without friction; Congress MP Jothimani publicly criticized the seat-sharing transparency within the DMK camp. With manifestos promising free electricity and the return of the Old Pension Scheme, the battle for Fort St. George is now a full-blown ideological and populist war.