In sign of bypoll gear-up, AIADMK assigns responsibilities for 20 seats

The ruling AIADMK has appointed key functionaries responsible for election-related works for 20 constituencies currently vacant after the Madras high Court upheld disqualification of 18 lawmakers loyal to TTV Dhinakaran who presented letter to the Governor withdrawing their support to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
The move occurs under uncertainty over further delay in conducting polls for 20 vacant constituencies in Tamil Nadu after the TTV Dhinakaran faction announced that they will move the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court's validation of the Speaker's decision last September to disqualify the MLAs.

Rajya Sabha MP-AIADMK R Vaithilingam told reporters after an important meeting at party headquarters that nominees for the 20 constituencies will be announced "after the Election Commission announces bypolls for the seats."

With 97 seats, the DMK-led combine, including the Indian Union Muslim League and Indian National Congress, could take it up to 117 seats should it sweep the bypolls while the AIADMK currently enjoys the support of 116 lawmakers in the Assembly, according to the state's official Legislature website.

However, three lawmakers -- A Prabhu from Kallakurichi, VT Kalaiselvam from Virudhachalam and E Rathinasabapathy from Aranthangi -- have openly sided with the TTV Dhinakaran faction. The party has asked the trio to explain their position. Secondly, three other lawmakers --Karunaas from Tiruvadanai,Thaniyarasu from Kangeyam, and M Thamimum Ansari from Nagapattinam -- had won on the AIADMK's Two Leaves ticket but belonged to other "friendly" parties. Withdrawal of support by them should the AIADMK not secure the necessary seats to reach 118 seats after the bypolls could spell trouble for the ruling party.