Thanjavur: The heated campaigning for the much-talked about election to the Thanjavur Assembly constituency came to an end today evening with the electorate set to go to the polls on November 19.

Though 14 candidates are in the fray, it is set to be a straight fight between the AIADMK candidate and sitting MLA M Rangasamy, and DMK candidate Dr Anjugam Boopathy.bBesides the eight candidates of major political parties, there are six independents in the fray, while other major political parties—MDMK, CPI, CPI (M) and VCK—decided not to contest.

Political parties and candidates wound up their campaign in the constituency at 5 pm. AIADMK minister R Kamaraj, kollywood comedians Karunas and R Sundarrajan wrapped up their campaign in front of the MGR statue near the railway junction.

The DMK wound up the campaign with the party treasurer MK Stalin, who campaigned here for two days since yesterday, addressing a public meeting in front of the Anna statue near the old bus stand.

The constituency also witnessed a well attended public meeting addressed by PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss on November 13 and a whirlwind one day tour undertaken by DMDK president Vijayakanth on November 16.

The AIADMK cadres are optimistic that welfare projects implemented by the government led by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for the last six years will turn the tide decisively in favour of Rangasamy, while DMK cadres are hopeful that people will give a shock treatment to the ruling party by electing Anjugam.

The May 16 election to the Thanjavur constituency was countermanded by the election commission on charges of cash distribution and other malpractices indulged in by the two major parties.