Ottapidaram MLA Shanmugaiya, who stayed away from the Chief Minister’s reception in Thoothukudi, is reportedly attempting to contest the upcoming election from the constituency on the TVK ticket, citing dissatisfaction over not getting a DMK seat.
Shanmugaiya had won the 2019 by-election during the AIADMK regime and was given an opportunity again in 2021. However, sources say he was not considered this time after differences with district secretary and minister Anitha Radhakrishnan.
DMK has announced Ramajeyam, the district youth wing organiser and a close supporter of Anitha Radhakrishnan, as its candidate for Ottapidaram. He has already filed his nomination, but party workers are said to be lukewarm as he is from another constituency.
Amid these developments, Shanmugaiya did not attend the election-related video conference meeting either. With his family said to have influence in Ottapidaram, some sections have urged his brother, businessman Airavanpatti Murugesan, to contest as an independent.
Shanmugaiya’s supporters claim TVK’s announced candidate Madhanraja was ready to file nomination, but the party leadership asked him to hold back. They say discussions are on to accommodate Shanmugaiya, and if talks succeed, he may be named TVK candidate and file nomination tomorrow.
