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AIADMK to Field Thambidurai, PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss for Rajya Sabha

The AIADMK is set to nominate senior leader M. Thambidurai and ally PMK's President Anbumani Ramadoss for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu. The decision was formalized at an AIADMK executive committee meeting, with General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami announcing the seat-sharing arrangement. Despite a reduced strength in the state assembly, the AIADMK-led alliance believes it has the necessary support from partners to secure both seats. The elections are scheduled for March 16, with the nomination process currently underway.

Key Points: AIADMK Nominates Thambidurai, PMK's Anbumani for RS Polls

  • AIADMK-PMK alliance to contest two RS seats
  • Nomination deadline is March 5
  • Alliance confidence based on MLA strength
  • Elections scheduled for March 16
2 min read

AIADMK likely to nominate Thambidurai, PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss for RS polls

AIADMK likely to nominate M. Thambidurai & PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss for Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu on March 16.

"the PMK would contest one of the two seats - Edappadi K. Palaniswami"

Chennai, March 4

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is likely to nominate senior party leader M. Thambidurai and Pattali Makkal Katchi President Anbumani Ramadoss as candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu, scheduled for March 16.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections on February 18, with the nomination process beginning on February 26. The last date for filing nominations is March 5.

Based on its current strength in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the support of its alliance partners, the AIADMK-led alliance is considered well placed to secure two seats in the Upper House of Parliament.

According to party sources, one of the two seats has been allocated to the PMK, a key ally in the AIADMK-led front. PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss is expected to be the party's nominee for the seat.

The second seat is likely to go to senior AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai, a former Union minister and former Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament.

The decision to allot one Rajya Sabha seat to the PMK was taken at a meeting of the AIADMK executive committee.

Announcing the arrangement, AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami said the PMK would contest one of the two seats in the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 16.

The AIADMK's strength in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly has declined since the 2021 Assembly elections, when the party had won 66 seats.

Several MLAs later resigned after joining the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), including O. Panneerselvam, Manoj Pandian, R. Vaithilingam, K. Ayyappan and K.A. Sengottaiyan.

In addition, Valparai MLA Amul Kandasamy passed away, further reducing the party's numbers.

As a result, the AIADMK currently has around 60 MLAs in the Assembly.

However, the party is expected to receive support from its alliance partners, including three MLAs from the PMK and four MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With this backing, the AIADMK-led alliance could muster around 66 votes, which is considered sufficient to ensure the victory of two candidates in the Rajya Sabha election.

With the numbers appearing favourable, the AIADMK leadership is confident of sending both its nominee and its ally's candidate to the Upper House in the upcoming polls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
The math seems tight but they should manage. Losing so many MLAs to DMK was a big blow for AIADMK. This RS seat for PMK is a smart move to keep the alliance strong. 🤞
A
Arjun K
Respectfully, I wish parties would nominate more fresh faces and younger leaders for such positions. We need new energy and ideas in Parliament, not just the same established names.
S
Sarah B
Interesting political dynamics. Allocating a seat to PMK shows the importance of coalition partners in Tamil Nadu politics. The BJP's 4 MLAs also seem to be playing a crucial supporting role here.
K
Karthik V
Thambidurai sir is a veteran. But the real story is the decline from 66 to ~60 MLAs. The defections are worrying for any party's stability. Hope the alliance holds firm for TN's development.
N
Nisha Z
Anbumani Ramadoss focusing on health issues in the Rajya Sabha could be beneficial. After the pandemic, we need strong health advocates at the national level. Fingers crossed for a win! 👍

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