In Pics | Campaigning heats up in Tamil Nadu ahead of elections

Tamil Nadu is a unique state. It's here that the national powers are reduced to play side roles as the regional satraps, the Dravidian parties, take up the major ones. This time, in the absence of J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, what will the election look like? Will V K Sasikala have a role to play? Can Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami manage to hold power? Can Kamal Haasan be the disruptor or is it time for the DMK's sun to rise again?

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Women's Wing Secretary Kanimozhi during an election campaign rally in support of party's Kulithalai constituency candidate R Manickam, ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly polls, in Karur district. Credit: PTI Photo

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President Kamal Haasan addresses during an election campaign rally in his constituency Coimbatore North, ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls, in Coimbatore district. Credit: PTI Photo

AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami campaigns in support of the party candidate Jothi Balakrishna Reddy in the Hosur Assembly constituency, in Krishnagiri. Credit: PTI Photo

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O.Pannerselvam during an election campaign ahead of the state assembly polls, at Upparpatti Village in Theni district. Credit: PTI Photo

DMK President MK Stalin addresses during an election campaign rally in support of his party's Tuticorin candidate Geetha Jeevan, ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly polls ,in Tuticorin. Credit: PTI Photo

Actress Vindhya during an election campaign rally in support of AIADMK Manachanallur candidate Paranjothi, ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, in Tiruchi. Credit: PTI Photo