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. The filing of nominations will begin in Tiruvarur on January 3 and the last date to submit the papers will be January 10. Scrutiny will be done on January 11 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 14.
Votes polled on January 28 will be counted on January 31. Since Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used during the by-election, results are expected to be announced before the noon of January 31.
