VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan is expected to enter the fray in the Trichy East Assembly by-election, following Chief Minister Vijay’s resignation from the constituency, according to information circulating in political circles.
Vijay had contested and won from both Chennai Perambur and Trichy East, and later vacated Trichy East. With TVK falling short of a majority, the party formed the government with the support of Congress, the Left parties and the VCK.
Sources within the VCK say the party leadership is not agreeable to anyone other than Thirumavalavan being made a minister, warning that appointing another leader could trigger internal discontent. TVK is said to be willing to offer him a key portfolio and extend support for his candidature in Trichy East.
The same sources expect the DMK to back Thirumavalavan in the bypoll, and believe NTK coordinator Seeman may avoid fielding a candidate against him. They also claim efforts could be made to seek AIADMK support.
If Thirumavalavan wins the Assembly seat and joins the cabinet, he is expected to resign as MP from Chidambaram. In that event, TVK is likely to contest the Chidambaram Lok Sabha by-election with VCK support, potentially giving TVK its first MP, the sources said.
