AIADMK nominee files papers in Srirangam

The seat fell vacant following the conviction of AIADMK general secretary Jayalalaithaa in a disproportionate assets case

S. Valarmathi, AIADMK, candidate, files her papers at the taluk office in Srirangam on Monday. Tiruchi MP P. Kumar, chief whip R. Manohar and Minister for Khadi and Village Industries T.P. Poonachi are in the picture.— Photo: M. Srinath

Filing of nominations for the Srirangam by-election began on Monday with the AIADMK candidate, S. Valarmathi, filing her papers.

The by-election is scheduled for February 13. The seat fell vacant following the conviction of AIADMK general secretary Jayalalaithaa in a disproportionate assets case.

Accompanied by T.P. Poonatchi, Minister for Khadi and Village Industries, MPs P. Kumar and T. Rathinavel, Ms. Valarmathi filed her papers before the Assistant Returning Officer, M. Kader Maideen, at the Srirangam taluk office in Thiruvanaikoil. The entire proceedings were recorded by a closed circuit television camera.

Ms. Valarmathi had declared movable assets worth Rs. 18.51 lakh in her name, including 75 sovereigns of jewellery and Rs. 7.08 lakh in her spouse name. She also had immovable assets worth Rs. 23.62 lakh, while her spouse’s immovable assets were worth Rs. 55.40 lakh. She had no liabilities in her name though her husband had loans to the tune of Rs. 28.81 lakh. She had no case against her, she said in her affidavit.

After filing the nomination, Ms. Valarmathi told reporters her campaign would focus on the achievements of the AIADMK government and the contribution of Ms. Jayalalithaa to the constituency.

Earlier, K. Padmarajan (55) of Mettur and S.K. Manoharan filed nomination papers for the by-poll as Independent candidates.