AIADMK Government Will Fall in Next 3 Months’, Says TTV Dhinakaran After Winning RK Nagar Bypoll

Chennai, December 24: Ousted AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran on Sunday won the crucial by-election for Chennai's RK Nagar constituency, the seat that was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death. Moments a

Chennai, December 24: Ousted AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran on Sunday won the crucial by-election for Chennai’s RK Nagar constituency, the seat that was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death. Moments after winning the election, Dhinakaran said that the AIADMK government will fall in next three months and expects a comeback after thumping victory.

Dhinakaran defeated his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan by a large margin of votes, serving a huge blow to Tamil Nadu’s ruling party. DMK’s Marudu Ganesh came third in the RK Nagar election. As his lead grew through the day, the followers of Mr Dhinakaran celebrated while the AIADMK’s headquarters wore a deserted look.

“We are the true AIADMK… people of RK Nagar have elected Amma’s successor…E Palaniswami’s government will fall in three months,” Dhinakaran said.

After being sidelined by the party and following the conviction of his aunt VK Sasikala in a corruption case, Dhinakaran contested the election as an independent candidate. Both aunt and nephew had laid claim to the legacy of J Jayalalithaa owing to Sasikala’s long association with her.

Talking about the Election Commission’s refusal of the two-leaves symbol to his faction, Dhinakaran said that his faction represents the true AIADMK. “A candidate determines the symbol,” he said.

“I have already said that ‘Two Leaves’ will be a success symbol only if it was with MG Ramachandran and Amma. Will the people vote for leave it it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa?” he said.

Nambiar and Veerappa were famous south movies villains.

Dhinakaran who was arrested for allegedly bribing the Election Commission officials to get the two-leaves symbol – is out on bail. His arrest is seen as an effort by the BJP-led Central government to give a boost to the AIADMK.

In Tamil Nadu, the BJP has a marginal presence and has been working hard to expand its footprint. A tie-up with the AIADMK is seen as an option for the party.