TN Cong MP detained for 'staying' in bypoll constituency on

Congress MP H Vasanthakumar was detained on Monday for allegedly staying in Nanguneri assembly constituency where a bypoll is underway, police said.

Though Vasanthakumar, whose resignation on his election to Lok Sabha necessitated the bypoll, claimed he was on his way to his home in nearby Palayamkottai, police said he was detained at a place where the MP need not have to go for reaching his destination.

There may be some hidden agenda for him to have chosen this route, Police said adding the MP had been brought to the police station in Nanguneri.

Officials said as per election code leaders and workers of political parties other than those residing in the district should not stay in the constituency on the election day.

They also said a case would be registered against Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri for staying in Nanguneri and conducting a press meet at Reddiyarpatti violating the code of conduct.

In a tweet, Vasanthkumar said he was detained while proceeding to his house in Palayamkottai and asked should he need permission to visit his home.

Nanguneri is seeing a direct contest between DMK backed Congress nominee 'Ruby' R Manoharan and AIADMK's Reddiyarpatti V Narayanan.