AIADMK appoints in-charges for 20 vacant constituencies

After the 18 disqualified MLAs owing allegiance to TTV Dhinakaran decided to face the bypolls, the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Monday appointed in-charges for 20 Assembly constituencies including two seats which fell vacant following the demise of the legislators.

The 20 constituencies included Tiruvarur and Thiruparankundram where by-polls are due following the recent deaths of sitting MLAs — late DMK chief M Karunanidhi and AK Bose of the AIADMK. Bypolls have not been announced for any of the segments so far.

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who is also the AIADMK coordinator, will be the in-charge for Andipatti and Periakulam, according to a statement issued jointly by him and Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who also holds the post of joint coordinator.

AIADMK's move comes days after the Madras High Court upheld the disqualification of 18 party MLAs by Speaker P Dhanapal last year after they expressed no confidence in Palaniswami. The disqualified legislators who initially decided to appeal in the Supreme Court has backtracked and announced their decision to contest bypoll.

The High Court verdict had thrown open the doors for holding bypolls to the 18 constituencies, with both the AIADMK and its arch rival DMK expressing confidence about winning the elections. The Dhinakaran camp has also exuded confidence that it will retain all the 18 seats, this time from his Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK).

ABOUT THE SEATS

Apart from the 18 Assembly constituencies held by rebel MLAs, 2 more constituencies fell vacant following the deaths of the sitting MLAs. Bypolls, however, has not been announced for any of the seats yet.