In a twist to the tale, DMK sources claim that some senior leaders of the party have urged party president M K Stalin to contest in the Tiruvarur by-election. "Since the by-poll was due to the demise of Kalaignar, they have requested thalapathi to contest from Tiruvarur. But he is yet to take a call," sources added. A discussion in this regard took place at Stalin's residence, in which seniors including Durai Murugan, T R Baalu and Kanimozhi took part.
Close on the heels of the Election Commission announcing that the by-election in Tiruvarur Assembly constituency, vacated by the death of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, would be conducted on January 28, major political parties in Tamil Nadu have indicated that they are ready for the battle. Both the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have invited nominations from their members who are willing to contest the by-poll.
In a statement, DMK general secretary K Anbazhagan said the filled-in application forms should be sent to the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the coordinator and joint coordinator of the AIADMK, have also made a similar announcement.
