T.N. election 2026: West Asia conflict eclipses election debates among Muslims in Ramanathapuram

In Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, the ongoing war in West Asia is a significant topic of conversation among Muslims. Chelladurai Abdullah, a Congress leader, blames Donald Trump for the conflict while Mahamood Naina, a writer and historian, highlights the historical ties between Ramanathapuram and Iran, emphasizing the Persian influence on the region. Despite the war's impact, local Muslims are largely focused on the upcoming elections, with many predicting a vote for the DMK. The district has a significant Muslim population, and political leaders like Anwar Raajhaa, a veteran politician who recently joined the DMK, believe that older generations will support the party while younger voters may lean towards actor-politician Vijay.