RS polls in Tamil Nadu today, Kanimozhi's re-election certain

As the Tamil Nadu legislators will today elect six members to Rajya Sabha, the DMK chief Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi's re-election has become almost certain after Congress pledged support of its six legislators.

The election, happening after a 17-year-gap, signals the warming up of two former political allies DMK and the Congress. DMK had called off its alliance with Congress in March on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.

There are seven contestants in the fray for six seats. The sitting MPs, Kanimozhi (DMK), D Raja (CPI) and V Maithreyan (AIADMK) are seeking renomination. While T Rathnavelu, R Lakshmananm, K R Arjunan (all AIADMK) and A R Elangovan (DMDK) are contesting for the first time to the Upper House.

A Rajya Sabha seat requires the votes of 34 MLAs. However, with the PMK abstaining from voting, the nominees require only 33 votes.

Congress' support to Kanimozhi has reduced the prospects of DMDK nominee AR Elangovan, whose party was hoping for support from other parties.

However, Congress has said that it has decided to support Kanimozhi in Rajya Sabha election in view of current political situation and taking all the facts in mind.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sandip Dikshit said that alliance with DMK is only for this election and not for the future. He said, the party's decision is to support the DMK, not the individual candidate.