P. Vetrivel, AIADMK MLA from Dr. Radhakrishnan (R.K.) Nagar Assembly Constituency in Chennai, resigned on Sunday paving way for party leader Jayalalithaa to contest from the constituency once she assumes office as Chief Minister.
Resignation accepted
According to a release from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly secretariat on Sunday, Mr. Vetrivel submitted his resignation on May 17, and it was accepted by Speaker P. Dhanapal.
The resignation assumes significance ahead of the AIADMK legislature party meeting scheduled for May 22, when Ms. Jayalalithaa is expected to be elected as its leader, enabling her return as Chief Minister.
Once she becomes Chief Minister, she will have to be elected to the Assembly within six months.
If Ms. Jayalalithaa contests from the R.K. Nagar constituency, it will be the first time she will be contesting from Chennai.
However, party seniors are not sure. “We have not received any proper communication till now. We are not sure if Amma will contest [from R.K. Nagar]. It is her decision,” says a senior leader.
Meanwhile, partymen in north Chennai are already enthusiastic. “It is all for good. North Chennai, neglected for a long time, will have its slice of development now. If Amma contests, it will be a record-breaking victory,” says another leader.
Mr. Vetrivel, who was sidelined in the party a couple of years ago, could not be reached.
In fact, many of the party MLAs in the city expressed their willingness to ‘sacrifice’ their seat for their leader.
“After all, the MLA post is a gift to us by Amma. We will resign anytime for her to contest,” an MLA in South Chennai said.
“In good health”
Earlier, Ms. Jayalalithaa contested from rural constituency like Andipatti, considered a safe haven for the AIADMK. Asked if her age and health forced her to choose a constituency in the city closer to her residence, a senior leader said, “Amma is quite alright. That she is unwell is a false propaganda by the Opposition.”
