AIADMK ‘buying’ voters for RK Nagar by-poll, disqualify candidate: MK Stalin

The constituency goes to polls on December 21.

CHENNAI: DMK leader MK Stalin on Sunday alleged that the ruling AIADMK is “buying out voters” for the prestigious RK Nagar by-election here.

The RK Nagar seat was once held by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. It fell vacant after her death in December last year.

The DMK leader has urged the Election Commission to disqualify the AIADMK candidate, E.Madhusudhanan for allegedly breaking the law.

He claimed the ruling party has pumped in over Rs 100 crore for distribution.

“Take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials to ensure free and fair election,” ANI quoted Stalin as saying.

In the run-up to the December 21 poll, the rival parties have been trading allegations and counter-allegations, often turning into a bitter political slugfest.

A total of 59 candidates, including those of AIADMK, DMK BJP, and sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran have announced their candidatures.

It will be the first election after Jayalalithaa’s death and is seen as a litmus test for AIADMK which is facing a slew of accusations including alleged corruption.

The key contestants are AIADMK’s E Madusudanan, a former minister, and DMK’s up and coming leader N Marudhu Ganesh.

Counting of votes will be held on 24 December.

The RK Nagar constituency has an electorate of 2,28,234 comprising 1,10,903 men, 1,17,232 women and 99 transgenders.