Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is considering a change in strategy for upcoming by-elections in constituencies that fell vacant after resignations by MLAs who later joined the party.
Chief Minister Vijay, who won from Tiruchy East and Chennai Perambur in the Assembly election, resigned his Tiruchy East MLA post. In addition, AIADMK-elected MLAs Maragatham (Madurantakam), Sathyabama (Dharapuram), Jayakumar (Perundurai), C. Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai), M.R. Vijayabaskar (Karur) and Isakki Subbiah (Ambasamudram) resigned and joined TVK, leading to seven vacancies.
By-elections have already been completed in Madurantakam and Dharapuram. TVK fielded the same leaders who had resigned, and the party reportedly faced campaign pressure, with the Chief Minister having to travel extensively village by village.
With by-elections due in the remaining five constituencies, TVK is now debating whether to re-issue tickets to the resigned leaders. Instead, discussions are said to be under way to offer them board chairperson posts.
However, the two Vijayabaskars and Isakki Subbiah are said to be firm about contesting again to return as MLAs. Ministers Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Sengottaiyan are reportedly holding talks to reach a compromise.
