PMK not to contest Tamil Nadu's Srirangam seat

The PMK Tuesday said it will neither contest in the Feb 13 Srirangam bye-election nor extend support to any other party.

In a statement issued here, the party said it is of the view that bye-elections are unnecessary and waste of tax payers' money.

The PMK said instead of holding bye-elections, a person from the party which had won the election could be nominated for that post and necessary amendment to the Representation of People Act should be brought in.

What assumes significance is the party's decision not to extend support to any other party contesting the bye-election.

The BJP is toying with the idea of contesting in the bye-election. And PMK is a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The bye-election has been necessitated after the disqualification of AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister J.Jayalalithaa who has been sentenced to a four- year jail term in a corruption case.