AIADMK begins preparations to retain two seats

CHENNAI: The AIADMK has begun preparations to retain the Maduranthakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies in the upcoming by-elections, with the party planning to seek the support of its alliance partners and field strong candidates with a good local image.

The party has invited applications from members aspiring to contest the two seats and asked them to submit their applications at the AIADMK headquarters by 6 pm on Thursday. The candidates are likely to be finalised and announced within the next two to three days.

Maragatham Kumaravel and Sathyabama, who had won the Maduranthakam and Dharapuram seats respectively, were among six AIADMK MLAs who resigned and joined TVK following differences within the party after the assembly election results. The Election Commission has now announced by-elections for both constituencies.

The AIADMK has decided to approach all parties that were part of its alliance during the assembly election and seek their support. As part of the exercise, AIADMK leaders met BJP state president Nainar Nagendran on Tuesday and sought the BJP's support for the by-elections.

On Wednesday, former ministers Dindigul C Srinivasan and KP Munusamy met New Justice Party leader AC Shanmugam on behalf of the AIADMK and sought his party's support.

The AIADMK is also planning to approach the PMK and TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK. Meetings with their leaders are expected to be held soon.

Meanwhile, the party leadership has decided to give preference to senior functionaries and influential local leaders with a strong support base while selecting candidates for the two constituencies.