Chennai, Jan 11 (NationPress) In a notable shift amidst the Opposition coalition's dynamics, the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu is set to contest the upcoming Erode (East) Assembly by-election on February 5, following the decision of its alliance partner Congress, whose late leader previously occupied the seat, to allow the M.K. Stalin-led party to take part in the election.
This marks the second by-election for the Erode East Assembly constituency in a span of two years. The seat became vacant due to the passing of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan on December 14, 2024.
In a statement, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K. Selvaperunthagai remarked, "As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach in 10 months, Chief Minister and INDIA bloc leader in Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has made this choice for the first time, following a request from the Congress party. After thorough discussions with the Congress leadership, it has been confirmed that the DMK candidate will run in the Erode (East) Assembly by-election.”
“We will unite efforts to guarantee the DMK candidate achieves a significant margin of victory, safeguarding the Indian Constitution and reinforcing democracy in our nation. We are committed to ensuring the DMK candidate secures a substantial number of votes, and we will collaborate to accomplish this objective,” added Selvaperunthagai.
Elangovan, a grandnephew of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, was elected to the seat during a by-election in early 2023.
He had contested the by-election following the tragic loss of his son, Thirumagan Everaa, who sadly passed away from a heart attack in January 2023 at the age of 46.
Chief Minister and DMK President M. K. Stalin visited Erode district on December 19 and 20, 2024, to bolster the party's presence ahead of the by-poll and the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The DMK has ambitious plans to win 200 out of the 234 Assembly seats in the upcoming 2026 elections.
