Erode is bracing for a keenly watched by-election in the Perundurai Assembly constituency, with political circles indicating that both the DMK and the AIADMK may field former ministers.
The bypoll is expected as several AIADMK MLAs who won in the Assembly election have resigned, triggering vacancies in Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai and Karur. A by-election is also due in Tiruchirappalli East after Chief Minister Vijay, who won from two constituencies, resigned that seat.
Local party functionaries in Perundurai say Jayakumar—who resigned as an AIADMK MLA and later joined TVK—has a strong chance of being the TVK candidate. They also claim talks are on to bring former minister Thoppu Venkatachalam, who earlier contested on a DMK ticket and lost but has since left the party, into the AIADMK fold to contest.
On the DMK side, sources say the party lacks a strong contender in Perundurai, making district secretary and former minister Muthusamy a likely choice. If both Muthusamy and Thoppu Venkatachalam enter the race, TVK is expected to face a stiff fight, with campaign work likely to be coordinated under minister Sengottaiyan, according to party circles.
