The R.K Nagar Bypoll election, may not be a cakewalk for principal opposition, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), as All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Amma faction candidate, TTV Dhinakaran surprises opponents, by pulling too many tricks out of his hat.

Despite the absence of charismatic leader, J. Jayalalithaa and the magic 'two leaves' symbol, it may not be easy for DMK to win the election.

The DMK, had secured about 33% votes, which faced Jayalalithaa, in the 2016 Assembly elections, is expected to crush its arch rival, AIADMK. The AIADMK has split, into two camps, and is having an ugly battle in RK Nagar, with one faction blaming the other, for Jayalalithaa’s death.

Earlier, the electoral body allotted two names and symbols to the V.K. Sasikala and O. Paneerselvam factions. The Sasikala camp requested the name “AIADMK (Amma)” and the “Hat” as its election symbol, while the Panneerselvam group requested “AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma -PTA) and the “Electric Pole” as its symbol.

A few analysts insisted, the electric pole symbol’s resemblance to the “Irattai Ilai” (two leaves).

When Dinakaran’s, (nephew of V.K. Sasikala) name was declared as the AIADMK (Amma) nominee, there was widespread dissatisfaction in the constituency, and it was doubtful, if he would be able to campaign freely in the area. But, the situation, however, changed drastically, in the last two weeks, with AIADMK ministers and top officials, stretching out to the nook and corner of the constituency.

While, the DMK and AIADMK (PTA), had appointed one functionary in charge of 100 voters, the AIADMK (Amma) has two men in charge of 25 voters.

Dhinakaran’s men are in constant touch with the voters every day, looking after their daily needs and family problems, according to AIADMK officials. However, they denied that they are purchasing votes with money. One of the officials, Marudhu Alaguraj, further asked, “If money alone is the only criteria to win the elections, why should we campaign hard?”

Besides these, Dinakaran had gone through every street in his vehicle, and had covered the lanes and by lanes in an auto rickshaw, by freely mixing with people, and interacting with the cadre, who is working enthusiastically.

The DMK officials alleged that, Dhinakaran is completely relying on money, power, and the Election Commission, is unable to check the cash flow in RK Nagar.

One of the officials said “We did not work out a clear strategy from the beginning. Harbor MLA P.K. Sekar Babu had won from RK Nagar two times, but his services have not been utilized in the bypoll. DMK union leader Shanmugam, who is coordinating the campaign, is focusing on workers and not on the public.”

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By Supraja