BJP, PWF to contest in R K Nagar

Dropping a hint that the Bharatiya Janata Party would contest in the RK Nagar by-election, BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan has said that the party has contested in all the recent elections and bypolls in the state.

Adding that the BJP's state election committee will meet and decide on a suitable candidate, she dismissed reports of her being the party's nominee for the seat as "mere speculation".

Meanwhile, People's Welfare Front, comprising CPI(M), CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi said it has decided to contest the April 12 R K Nagar bypoll and a decision on the candidate will be decided soon.

"PWF has decided to contest the bypoll. Leaders of all three parties will hold consultations in a day or two and we will come out with our announcement on the candidate after our discussions," CPI(M) State secretary G Ramakrishnan and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan told reporters.

Meanwhile, the district election officer has appointed a returning officer, two assistant returning officers and an electoral registration officer for the by-poll to be held in the RK Nagar constituency on April 12.

According to a statement from commissioner and special officer of the Greater Chennai Corporation D Karthikeyan (who is also the DEO), T N Padmaja Devi, joint director, directorate of adi dravidar and tribal welfare, has been appointed as the returning officer. Padmaja Devi was the RO when Jayalalithaa was elected from the constituency in 2016.