Insta
To Prove His Strength Against Stalin, Alagiri May Contest Bypolls From Father’s Stronghold Thiruvarur
Brothers MK Alagiri (left) and MK Stalin (right)
Expelled Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Union Minister M K Alagiri could test his strength by contesting the byelections for the Thiruvarur Assembly seat, caused by the death of his father and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi. This will be also a test of strength between Alagiri and his brother-cum-DMK president M K Stalin, whose leadership is being challenged by the former.
Tamil daily Dinamalar reported that Alagiri’s son Dayanidhi has instituted a survey in the Assembly constituency to find out the influence of his father among the electorates. Karunanidhi has been elected twice from Thiruvarur. Apart from Thiruvarur, byelections are also due from Thiruparankundram constituency following the death of A K Bose, an All India Anna DMK legislator.
Not just Alagiri, but even Amma Makkal Munntera Kazhagam formed by expelled AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran, nephew of late Jayalalithaa’s aide Sasikala, would be testing its strength in both the constituencies.
Alagiri supporters contend that while anyone put up by their leader would fetch around 12 per cent votes, the former Union Minister can win hands down if he decides to contest from the constituency, with around 45 per votes. The supporters contend that if TTV Dinakaran could win RK Nagar Assembly by-elections without being aligned to any major party, then Alagiri, who has a considerable following in southern Tamil Nadu, could also win from the constituency. Stalin had reportedly told his cadre that the party should win the Thiruvarur Assembly seat ‘at any cost’.
The next couple of byelections in Tamil Nadu will witness a multi-cornered contest between the AIADMK, DMK, AMMK, Alagiri faction and other parties. Newly-formed Makkal Needhi Maiam could also be in the fray, though its founder and actor Kamal Haasan hasn’t said anything on this.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
