DMK’s entry makes bypolls a three-corner contest

The upcoming byelections to the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies are heading for a three-corner contest, with the DMK, the main Opposition party, deciding to enter the fray.

The DMK high command has invited its district secretaries to Chennai to chalk out the strategy for the elections to the two constituencies, which fell vacant following the resignation of AIADMK members who quit and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The AIADMK has already invited applications from prospective candidates. The DMK’s decision to enter the pols has set at rest the speculation that it could enter into a secret understanding with the AIADMK against the ruling TVK.

“If the DMK stays away from the contest, it will be construed that we have an understanding with the AIADMK. Moreover, as the main Opposition party, we cannot stay away from by-elections held after the general election. We also do not want to create an impression that we have reservations about the prospects of the polls,” said a senior leader.

Although Maragatham Kumaravel, who was elected from Madurantakam, and P. Sathyabama, who was elected from Dharapuram — both reserved constituencies — are expecting an opportunity to contest the elections, it is not clear whether they will benefit from the AIADMK’s vote bank, as the party had fielded them in the general election.