Bypoll ticket to be a tough fight for Madhusudhanan

The general practice in the party is to seek applications from cadre for election tickets during general elections. However, in the case of by-polls, the leadership used to nominate the candidate on its own. Away from its convention, the AIADMK asking applicants to submit their applications for the by-poll this time is a rare occurrence.

Madhusudhanan himself submitted his application form on Tuesday seeking the party ticket and another senior leader Thamizhmagan Hussain was a surprise competitor. Both Madhusudhanan and Hussain are administrative council members, but as per Election Commission judgment, the symbol had been allocated in the name of Madhusudhanan and treasurer O Panneerselvam. 

Madhusudhanan has the authority to sign the nomination form for the by-poll and it is to be seen if the powers to sign the form is given to party co-ordinator Panneerselvam and deputy co-ordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami. 

The contest is not restricted to the two senior leaders of the party, since N Balaganga, a known face in North Chennai is also aspiring for a party ticket. He was nominated by former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to contest the Mayor seat in 2001 and had served as a Rajya Sabha MP.

Former district secretary Adhi Rajaram is one of the applicants besides advocate RMD Ravindra Jain, who is the district deputy secretary. 

Eight applications had been received so far and 12 more functionaries had secured the application form. The administrative council is will meet on Wednesday to scrutinise the applications and finalise the nominee.