DMK begins applications sale for RK Nagar by-poll

Shimla Muthuchozhan, who contested from the segment in the last Assembly elections in May 2016, was the first aspirant to buy the application at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters, in Chennai. 

It may be recalled that Shimla Muthuchozhan was fielded as the DMK candidate against Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who polled 97,218 votes and won the seat by a margin of 39,545. However, the seat became vacant following the demise of Jayalalithaa in December last year. 

The fee to get the application is Rs 1,000. The applications will be sold till March 12. All the applications should be submitted by March 12, according to party sources. Subsequently, on March 13, party’s working president and Leader of Opposition MK Stalin will interview with the aspirants.

Manidhaneya Makkal Katchihad extended its support for DMK in the R K Nagar by-poll to be held on April 12. MMK had announced that it would support DMK in the bypolls. In the press release, Jawahirullah, President of MMK, had claimed that MMK would support DMK and their cadres would work for the victory of DMK candidate. The ruling AIADMK government had been silent on several issues such as drought, Kaveri river issue, Bhavani river, farmers suicide, drinking water problem shortage, shortage of ration products, fishermen issue and so on and their silence had caused several problems for the people.

While DMK and other parties have started work for the RK Nagar by-poll, the AIADMK is yet to start work, as both factions await the Election Commission’s response to the reply given by party general secretary V K Sasikala.

If EC verdict favours Sasikala, there are no problems as then they will contest on the two leaves symbol and Paneerselvam group will be forced to contest as independents. If the verdict goes against her, then her post becomes invalid and so do all the decisions she took as general secretary including removing OPS from the party’s primary membership and nominating her relative TTV Dinakaran as deputy general secretary. She will also be unable to sign the official candidate’s election affidavit. 

Both sides awaiting the EC response has resulted in field work slowing down. TTV Dinakaran who has constituted the party’s administrative council has continued to state that, “It is the council which will decide on the party candidate.” 

Ravindaran Duraisamy, political analyst, says, “Deepa is the dark horse in this election, as compared to Dravidian leaders she has no corruption charges and might garner women’s votes. 

However, she might have to contest as an independent sponsored by MAD Peravai as the election commission recognises only registered political parties.” Lawyer K Palani adds, “She will have to contest on a new symbol as the official Peravai registration is yet to come through.”

After biting the dust in May 2016 Assembly election, the People’s Welfare Front (PWF), comprising VCK, CPI and CPM is gearing up to show off its strength in RK Nagar by-poll, slated to be held on April 12.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan met his alliance partner G Ramakrishnan, CPM, state secretary, on Friday and announced the PWF will contest the election. After the meeting, Ramakrishnan and Thiruma briefed the media, saying “The PWF will contest the RK Nagar by-election and will choose a candidate in the next couple of days after consultations with other partners.”

 However, CPI leader R Mutharasan said that he has not received any communication regarding the meeting of alliance partners or the  decision regarding contesting the by-poll.