AIADMK, DMK candidates file nomination for R.K. Nagar by-election

Candidates of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK and the main opposition DMK on Friday filed their nomination papers for the December 21 by-election to the R.K. Nagar Assembly constituency.

The AIAMDK nominee is Presidium Chairman and former minister E. Madhusudhanan and the DMK's Marudhu Ganesh. Sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran also filed his nomination but as an independent.

Dinakaran was the candidate for then ruling AIADMK faction when the by-election was slated in April 2017 but got cancelled over charges of voter bribing.

Madhusudhanan was the candidate of now Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's faction when the AIADMK split into two -- one under Panneerselvam and the other under now jailed leader V.K. Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran.

The R.K. Nagar seat fell vacant following the death of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on December 5, 2016.

The Indian National League has announced support for Madhusudhanan. The DMK has already garnered the support of the Congress, VCK, Manithneya Makkal Katchi and other smaller outfits.

The PMK, the DMDK and Tamil Maanila Congress have decided not to contest the election.

--IANS

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