3-cornered bypoll may test political waters

Chennai: The state legislative assembly secretariat is likely to notify the death of three-time legislator C. Perumal of AIADMK representing Yercaud constituency anytime now. With this, the state is all set to face the fourth bypoll after May 2011 assembly elections, setting the tone for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as the political parties wo uld consider to test the poll waters before forging alliance for general elections. Sources in the election department told DC that the Assembly secretariat would info rm the ECI in a few days about the vacancy. “Soon after they notify about the vacancy, we will inform the same to the Election Com mission, which will announce the date of bypoll later,” said state CEO Praveen Kumar. The ruling AIADMK that romped home in style in all the three previous bypolls and will not take it lightly as it could perhaps be the last bypoll before the LS polls in which AIADMK has vowed to win all 40 seats. While Left parties are likely to support AIADMK, DMK and DMDK are exploring options. Smaller parties Congress, MD MK and PMK may stay off from byelection.