AIADMK leader D Jayakumar (file photo)

New Delhi: Royapuram Assembly constituency in North Chennai has emerged as a major political battleground ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, the counting of which is scheduled for May 4. Considered an AIADMK stronghold under veteran leader D Jayakumar for over three decades, Royapuram went to the DMK in 2021 after Idrim R Murthy won a decisive victory, reshaping its political landscape. For the upcoming elections, the DMK has fielded orthopedic surgeon Dr A Subair Khan, son of late party leader A Rehman Khan, to retain the seat. He faces a tough challenge from six-time MLA Jayakumar, who is trying to regain his former stronghold, relying on his long-term ties with the coastal community as a former fisheries minister. Jayakumar was the runner-up in 2021, losing to Murthy, who garnered 53.16% votes and a victory margin of over 27,000. However, in 2016, Jayakumar won the seat with a margin of 55,205 votes and 6.57%. Actor-politician Vijay’s TVK’s TV Somu and NTK’s Babumaylan are also in the fray. Royapuram: Home of fishing communities Royapuram has historically been a center of the working class, home to fishing communities, port workers and small traders. For many residents, especially fishermen, election concerns go beyond visibility, focusing on livelihood issues such as better access to markets and stable income. The constituency also faces significant urban challenges. Residents often cite severe air and dust pollution caused by heavy freight traffic, prolonged traffic congestion near the Royapuram bridge and frequent sewage contamination of drinking water. These issues have made infrastructure and environmental health central to the current election discussion.(With ANI inputs)