By-poll: BJP yet to decide on candidate

State BJP sources said that the party held its general council meeting in Karur on Tuesday. However, there was no decision made relating to the fielding of a candidate in RK Nagar by-poll. Sources added that national party observers felt that there was a difference of opinion among the state BJP unit leaders and they tried to sort it out. 

“One can see that prominent parties like the DMK have started the ground work relating to RK Nagar by-poll. But, there is no poll mode in the BJP. Further, the national BJP leaders do not have any discussion regarding the by-poll,” said a party second-rung leader. 

Denying this, state BJP secretary Vanathi Srinivasan told DT Next, “It is premature to speak about R K Nagar by-poll. However, we will discuss the matter of fielding candidates only after the Elec-tion Commission announces the date for by-poll.” Further, the party is also working on gaining a foothold in the state, she added. 

When asked about alliance, Vanathi replied, “We are always opposing the ideologies of both Dra-vidian parties. However, any decision like supporting parties or fielding candidates will be taken only in the meeting and our national leaders are also monitoring the political situation in the state and they will take a call on the by-poll.”