Vijay’s TVK loses one seat even before its debut contest in Tamil Nadu polls
Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) have suffered an early electoral setback weeks before the polls, with the Election Commission rejecting its candidate’s nomination from the Edappadi constituency.
The nomination of an alternate candidate was also rejected for the same reason – failure to secure the required number of proposer signatures. This leaves the party, making its electoral debut, without any candidate from the Salem district seat, against AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.
The situation has further escalated into a crisis for the party, as the candidate is now reportedly missing.
As per norms, each nomination must be backed by at least 10 proposers. However, Arunkumar M’s papers had only eight signatures, while the alternate candidate, Nithya submitted just seven.
Adding to the mystery, Arunkumar has now gone missing, with party cadres alleging that he may have been kidnapped. TVK members have staged protests over the developments.
Arunkumar had also failed to appear for the scrutiny of his nomination, adding to the confusion. The Election Commission has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is seeking a sixth term from his native constituency. For the ruling DMK, C Kasi is in the fray and both their nominations have been accepted.