Assembly bypolls: DMK aspirants appear for interview before panel

Party president M K Stalin, joined by DMK treasurer Duraimurugan and principal secretary T R Baalu, interviewed the aspiring contestants.

According to DMK sources, aspirants eyeing seats in Thoothukudi district were interviewed first. They were followed by candidates in other constituencies. More than 100 candidates had submitted applications to contest the bypolls.

During the interview, the candidates were asked to explain their winning prospects and plans regarding the election work.

The final list of candidates is expected to be released next week. Women candidates will be given preference to contest some of the seats, sources said.

A total of 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs were disqualified last year and their seats were declared vacant. Three more seats had fallen vacant - Tiruvarur (following the demise of former chief minister M Karunanidhi), Tiruparankundram (death of sitting legislator A K Bose and Hosur (conviction of former minister P Balakrishna Reddy in a stone pelting case), taking the total number of vacant Assembly seats to 21.

The DMK is planning to contest at least 19 seats, allocating the remaining 2 to its ally the Congress.