Jayalalithaa to contest June 27 by-election

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa will contest the by-elections for the Radhakrishnan Nagar assembly constituency, slated for June 27, the AIADMK party said on Friday.

In a statement here, the AIADMK said Jayalalithaa has been nominated to contest from Radhakrishnan Nagar.

With the major opposition party DMK deciding to keep away from the contest, it is going to be a cake-walk for Jayalalithaa, who recently returned as chief minister.

Political parties like the Congress and others are yet to take a decision on the issue.

The Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency fell vacant with the recent resignation of AIADMK lawmaker P.Vetrival to facilitate Jayalalithaa's relection to the assembly.

Jayalalithaa, who was elected from Srirangam constituency in May 2011, lost her seat and the chief minister's position after a trial court in Bengaluru convicted her in a corruption case and sentenced her to four years jail term and Rs.100 crore fine.

Recently, the Karnataka High Court upheld her appeal and acquitted her of all charges.

Following that Jayalalalithaa again took over as chief minister. She has to get elected to the assembly within six months from the date of being sworn in as the chief minister.

Counting of votes will be held on June 30.