AIADMK, DMK ready for RK Nagar battle, DMDK out

The ruling AIADMK and the principal opposition DMK on Friday said they would contest the RK Nagar by-poll whenever they are held, while the DMDK led by actor Vijayakanth said it would stay away from the by-elections.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, talking to reporters, said his party would not shy away from any election, including the RK Nagar by-poll. “Whenever the by-poll is held, we will contest. 

The AIADMK is also ready to face the 2019 Parliamentary elections and 2021 Assembly elections. The party will fearlessly face any elections along the path shown by Amma,” he said. 

When questions were raised about the DMK’s participation, party working president MK Stalin said, “The DMK is prepared to contest the by-poll at any time.” However, answering a similar question, DMDK leader Vijayakanth said his party would not contest the by-poll. 

Giving reasons for his decision, the actor said the Assembly election would be held immediately and the same constituency would face the general elections soon. 

With the two major rivals in the state making it clear that they would join the RK Nagar race, the allocation of symbol is certain to play a key role in the outcome. 

It may be recalled that a dispute between the AIADMK factions over the party’s symbol of ‘Two Leaves’ is pending with the Election Commission and the hearing on the case has been scheduled for October 16. 

The Supreme Court too had directed the EC to settle the dispute before November 10.  The Election Commission of India had announced that it would hold the by-poll before December 31 as per a court order. 

The commission is expected to announce the date in November or earlier, since a notification should be issued 45 days before the polling date.