CHENNAI: Chennai: A potential tussle is brewing within the DMK in Theni district after former MP P Raveendranath Kumar, son of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), sought party tickets for key constituencies in the district, including Andipatti — a seat currently held by DMK MLA Maharajan.
I have sought a ticket for my father, O Panneerselvam, to contest from Bodinayakanur, where he is the sitting MLA. I have also applied for tickets for Bodinayakanur and AndipattiP Raveendranath Kumar
Raveendranath Kumar, who recently joined the DMK along with his father, submitted applications seeking tickets for himself and OPS for the upcoming Assembly election. Speaking to reporters, he said applications were filed with both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.
“I have sought a ticket for my father, O Panneerselvam, to contest from Bodinayakanur, where he is the sitting MLA. I have also applied for tickets for Bodinayakanur and Andipatti,” Ravindranath Kumar said. The third constituency in the district, Periyakulam, is reserved.
His interest in Andipatti has drawn attention as the seat is currently represented by DMK MLA Maharajan, who has also applied to contest again from the constituency.
Political observers say the development could intensify local rivalries within the party, particularly given the long-standing differences between Theni MP Thanga Tamilselvan and Maharajan in the district.
Tamilselvan had played a key role in welcoming OPS and Raveendranath Kumar into the DMK. Maharajan was involved in a spat with Thanga Tamilselvan during a government health initiative event in Theni recently.
Meanwhile, the DMK concluded receiving applications from aspirants for the Assembly election on Friday evening, after the process began on February 20. The party received around 11,100 applications.