CHENNAI: R K Nagar, the constituency of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, will vote for a new representative on December 21. The result will be declared on December 24. The dates were announced three days after the Madras High Court gave a December 31 deadline for the election of a new lawmaker for the constituency. The polls were cancelled following allegations of distribution of massive amount of cash and other bribes among voters. Following the allegation, the Election Commission has cancelled the by-election.
Tussle over candidate
Meanwhile, the differences between Chief Minister E K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam camps are likely to get accentuated over deciding the candidate for the seat. E Madhusudhanan, a senior leader in the Panneerselvam camp, is reportedly lobbying strongly against the choices of Palaniswami and his ministers.
Madhusudhanan is a former party secretary of north Chennai region and was the candidate for R K Nagar last April for the Panneerselvam faction. Many supporting Madhusudhanan hoped that he would get the seat as he “deserves” it, considering his “age and fight for the party”.
However, D Jayakumar, a senior minister in the Palaniswami camp, could complicate matters. “Jayakumar, with a sizeable clout in north Chennai and his own choice of candidates, has told the party that ministers will not support if Madhusudhanan is allowed to contest. Also, Palaniswami doesn’t want to give a chance to the Panneerselvam faction as this election is likely to favour the AIADMK,” said a senior AIADMK leader. Jayalalithaa's death has pushed the ruling AIADMK into turmoil and infighting as Amma loyalist O Panneerselvam who had taken over as chief minister after her death, rebelled against VK Sasikala.
