With the Election Commission of India on Monday notifying the bypoll schedule for two out of the seven vacant Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, the question on everyone’s mind now is whether the AIADMK MLAs who resigned from Madurantakam and Dharapuram (both reserved seats) and joined the ruling TVK would get an opportunity to contest. 

Soon after the formation of the TVK-led coalition government, 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs had voted in favour of Motion of Confidence moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in the Assembly. Subsequently, four AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam, Chengalpattu district), S. Jayakumar (Perundurai, Erode district), and P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram, Tiruppur district) resigned their seats and instantly joined the TVK. 

Later, Esakki Subbaiah (Ambasamudram), C. Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai), and M.R. Vijayabhaskar (Karur) also resigned their Assembly membership and joined the TVK. Besides, Mr Vijay, who had won from Perambur and Tiruchi East constituencies, resigned from the latter seat.

However, losing candidates had filed election petitions challenging the results in five constituencies. As per law, the EC cannot notify bypolls in these seats.

Consequently, the poll body has announced the bypoll only for Madurantakam and Dharapuram on October 6.

P. Sathyabama, who resigned from the Dharapuram constituency, when contacted by The Hindu saidshe would seek a ticket for the by-election. “I will certainly seek an opportunity. However, the party leadership will take the final call,” she said. On the other hand, Maragatham Kumaravel, the resigned MLA from Madurantakam, declined to comment on the matter.

As far as the AIADMK is concerned, former minister R.B. Udhayakumar stated that the party will definitely contest the polls. “Our general secretary has stated that we will contest every upcoming election. We will contest this election as well. The official announcement will be made by our general secretary,” he said.