BJP to back Thennarasu in Erode East by-poll: Annamalai

CHENNAI: A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) gave its nod to allocate ‘Two-Leaves’ symbol to Edappadi K Palaniswami-led faction in the Erode East Constituency bypoll, state BJP president K Annamalai announced that the party would extend its full cooperation and support to K S Thennarasu, who was fielded by the AIADMK on behalf of the National Democratic Alliance. He said they would work tirelessly to ensure the victory of the alliance party’s candidate.

The victory in the bypoll would set the trend for the success of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Hence, the party cadres should work tirelessly to achieve it. The party functionaries and cadres should fight out the ruling party’s money power and misuse of government missionaries to ensure their victory. They should take on the ruling party with the help of the people, said Annamalai in a statement.

He thanked Leader of Opposition and AIADMK ‘interim’ general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for fielding an official candidate in AIADMK’s symbol, while thanked deposed AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam for withdrawing his candidate for the common good of the alliance.

It may be recalled that BJP National General Secretary and TN incharge C T Ravi and Annamalai called on EPS and OPS at their respective residences in Chennai few days back to settle the difference of opinion among them and field a common candidate. Annamalai had also stated their party would abstain from supporting an independent candidate nor field a candidate in the bypoll.