The DMK has not made up its mind on contesting the October 13 by-election to Tiruchi (West) Assembly constituency since the vacancy was caused by the death of a minister belonging to a minority community, party president M. Karunanidhi said on Sunday. However, late in the night, the party called for applications from aspirants within the next two days.
Environment Minister Mariyam Pitchai, who was elected from the constituency, was killed in a road accident on May 23.
Talking to reporters, Mr Karunanidhi said the DMK would take into consideration the sympathy factor before deciding whether to contest or not in the by-election to the constituency. Reminded about his view that instead of holding a by-election in such circumstances, the political party that had won the seat could be asked to nominate its candidate, Mr. Karunanidhi said the DMK was ready to accept the proposal if everyone was for it. He said the list of DMK candidates for the local body elections would be released after the dates were announced.
Asked to comment on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's three-day fast, Mr. Karunanidhi said his past actions could not be forgotten. On whether he felt the 2G case was being prolonged because he had alleged political motives, Mr Karunanidhi said he had only pointed out the delay in granting bail to Ms Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar. He did not think the delay was because of the report submitted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. “They are two different issues and you cannot link the one with the other,” he explained.
On the demand of all parties for a CBI inquiry into the police firing in Paramakudi, he said, “I agree with them.”
