Chennai: Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar (R.K. Nagar) Assembly constituency is gearing up for the by-election to be held next month. Leaders of the ruling AIADMK have started the preliminary works such as identifying poll agents and poll managers at micro level.“Party heavy weights including E. Madhusoodhanan, D. Jayakumar, P. Vettrivel who resigned as an MLA, and North Chennai MP Venkatesh Babu have started discussing with the cadres on poll arrangements,” said an AIADMK councillor. Soon state ministers, MLAs and the Mayor will descend on the constituency. The AIADMK wants a victory margin of nothing less than one lakh, he said.
“For the fourth consecutive time our party will win from R.K. Nagar. The entire party in Chennai is pepped up and the rank and file of entire AIADMK want the victory margin to be a new record in Chennai”, opined a former ruling party legislator Ku. Seenivasan.However, with the DMK announcing that it will not put up a candidate in the constituency, AIADMK cadres and functionaries heaved a sigh of relief.
“Our party has started collecting poll funds and we are gearing up for the next year general elections. This (R.K.Nagar) result is in no way going to change the current political dimension and by ignoring this election, our party will save its resources, both money and the cadre’s energy”, said a DMK office-bearer. “R.K Nagar was the first city assembly seat to be won by AIADMK when the party started contesting elections in 1977 during MGR period and this time it will be won with a new record margin by our Amma”, said AIADMK party functionary, ‘Poonga Nagar’ Selvam.
Metro may chug on track soon
Chief electoral officer Sandeep Saxena on Wednesday hinted that the much-awaited Chennai metro rail can be flagged off as the model code of conduct is restricted only to R.K. Nagar constituency in north Chennai. Addressing a press conference Mr Saxena said all the state government schemes like distribution of freebies including mixers and grinders are prohibited in the constituency.
State ministers and elected representatives should refrain from using their official cars and no MLA and MP can execute projects in the constituency.The state after obtaining Election Commission clearance can start the metro rail and the existing state and Central schemes can be executed in other parts of the state, the CEO said.
Meanwhile, district election officer and Chennai corporation commissioner Vikram Kapur designated corporation assistant commissioner Tondiarpet as the returning officer designate for assembly constituency. The model code of conduct came into force with effect from Tuesday in Chennai district. The model code of conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the government offices, the DEO said in his official communication.
