Tamil Nadu by-elections: Congress for Nanguneri and DMK from Vikravandi

Chennai : As Election Commission announced the by-election dates for Tamil Nadu’s assembly constituencies Vikravandi and Nanguneri, the question was who will contest in behalf of UPA for these constituencies — Congress or DMK? Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader MK Stalin has put an end to all debate by announcing that DMK would fight from Vikravandi and Congress from Nanguneri.

There was a speculation Udhayanidhi Stalin might contest for DMK in the by-election for Nanguneri assembly. DMK reached an understanding with Congress for the nominations for the by-election, DMK President Stalin said. “As per this agreement, DMK will contest in Vikravandi and the Congress from Nanguneri. The Congress will also enter the fray in Kamaraj Nagar Assembly constituency in the neighbouring Puducherry,” he added.

The seat-sharing deal was clinched after TNCC president KS Alagiri met Stalin this evening. “Aspirants for the Vikravandi seat can file their applications from September 23, and the name of the candidate will be announced the next day,” Stalin said. Alagiri added that Congress’ candidates would be finalised after receiving applications.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora announced today that nominations would begin from September 23 and the last date to file papers is on September 30. Scrutiny will take place on October 1, and October 3 is the last day to withdraw nominations. The Vikravandi Assembly seat fell vacant after DMK MLA K Rathamani passed away in June. Nanguneri is vacant after Congress MLA H Vasantha Kumar resigned in May after being elected as the Member of Parliament.