Tiruvarur bypoll: IUML, CPI, MDMK extend support to DMK

DMK's ally Indian Union Muslim League and friendly parties, the CPI and Vaiko-led MDMK Tuesday announced their support to the main opposition party for the byelection to the Tiruvarur constituency.

While the CPI(M) is also likely to support the DMK, other parties like T T V Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and BJP are yet to formally declare their stand.

Extending his party's support, Indian Union Muslim Leauge leader K M Khader Mohideen said his party would work for the DMK nominee's victory in the January 28 bypoll.

CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan, in a statement, said the party has unanimously decided to support DMK for the bypoll.

"DMK will script a huge success," MDMK chief Vaiko said. He would embark on a propaganda tour to every village in the constitutency, Vaiko added.

When contacted, CPI(M) State Secretary K Balakrishnan said his party's stand would be made known in a couple of days following a party meet.

"The constituency has been represented by the DMK and also we oppose the AIADMK and Dhinakaran-led AMMK," he told PTI, adding his party's decision will reflect that stand, apparently indicating likely support for the DMK.

The Election Commission had announced the byelection to the Thiruvarur assembly constituency Monday.

The seat fell vacant following the death of former chief minister and DMK MLA M Karunanidhi in August.

Both the ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK have invited applications from party workers desiring to contest the bypoll.