DMK Leaders Press M K Stalin to Contest Trichy East Assembly By-Poll

DMK Chief M K Stalin announced in Chennai on Friday that he has yet to make a final decision on whether to contest the upcoming Trichy East assembly by-poll, despite facing growing pressure from senior party leaders to do so. The potential candidacy is aimed at securing Stalin's return to the Tamil Nadu assembly.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Stalin confirmed that while the proposal is currently under consideration, the party has not finalized its plans. "No decision has been taken in this regard. Will let you all know once we take the decision," Stalin said. Meanwhile, the DMK has already initiated a survey of its electoral prospects in the Trichy East constituency.

The internal push for Stalin’s candidacy gained momentum after Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay mocked the DMK chief's previous assembly election defeat in the Kolathur constituency. Supporters believe contesting the Trichy East seat would counter the Chief Minister's criticism and re-establish Stalin's presence in the legislature.

Out of the six assembly segments currently heading for by-polls in the state, Trichy East is widely viewed as the most favorable seat for the DMK. The party plans to bank heavily on the influence of local DMK strongman K N Nehru. Nehru recently hinted at the move, remarking that Stalin would return to the assembly soon, which added weight to the ongoing political speculation.

The Trichy East seat was vacated by Chief Minister Vijay, who had won the constituency by defeating DMK candidate Inigo Irudhayaraj by a margin of 27,416 votes.

Despite the enthusiasm from some quarters, a section of senior DMK leaders has advised caution. They have termed the move "unwise," suggesting that Stalin should remain focused on the broader task of rebuilding the party, particularly given the current uncertain political prospects.