Actor Kamal Haasan on Thursday alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakaran&#39;s win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters.

In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine &#39;Ananda Vikatan,&#39; the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a &quot;stain&quot; on Indian democracy.

Responding to Haasan&#39;s salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll.

Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides - the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp - the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.

He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation.

Both Dhinakaran as well as the ruling party have denied charges of money distribution during the hustings.

In his article, without naming Dhinakaran, Haasan said the RK Nagar bypoll win was a &quot;purchased&quot; one, alluding to alleged money distribution by the rebel camp.

&quot;RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I won&#39;t call this purchased win even a scam....This is a day light crime,&quot; Haasan charged.

He recalled Election Commission rescinding the bypoll for this city segment when it was to be held in April last year following complaints of money distribution. 
Dhinakaran was the ruling party candidate then but was later sidelined by the Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues.

The chief minister and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was then a rebel leader, merged their respective factions in August last year.

Dhinakaran contested last month&#39;s election as an independent candidate and polled over 89,000 votes.

Haasan charged that both the &quot;independent&quot; and the &quot;ruling side fixed rates&quot; for voters.

Alleging that people had voted for money, Haasan, in the article, said &quot;you have been sold out.&quot;

Dhinakaran, responding to Haasan&#39;s allegations, hit out at the award-winning star, saying he had &quot;insulted&quot; and &quot;hurt&quot; the RK Nagar voters by making such allegations.

Haasan&#39;s charge was &quot;strongly condemnable,&quot; he told reporters.

&quot;This doesn&#39;t befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money,&quot; Dhinakaran said.

He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, &quot;Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won.&quot;

&quot;Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Don&#39;t hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations),&quot; Dhinakaran said.

Questioning whether Kamal Haasan was a &#39;judge&#39; or &#39;God,&#39; Dhinakaran said the actor should have contested the bypoll to face the reality.

Apparently hitting out at the actor&#39;s political ambitions, Dhinakaran asked &quot;can such people survive in politics.&quot;

&quot;Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else,&quot; he said.

On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have &quot;recognised we are Amma&#39;s (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters)&quot;.

Dhinakaran dared those making such allegations to reiterate them by holding a public meeting at RK Nagar.

Haasan, who has announced his intentions of entering politics, has been vocal on a number of issues ranging from corruption to right wing extremism.

Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll.

Actor Kamal Haasan on Thursday alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakaran's win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters. In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan,' the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a "stain" on Indian democracy. Responding to Haasan's salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll. Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides - the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp - the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan. He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation. Both Dhinakaran as well as the ruling party have denied charges of money distribution during the hustings. In his article, without naming Dhinakaran, Haasan said the RK Nagar bypoll win was a "purchased" one, alluding to alleged money distribution by the rebel camp. "RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I won't call this purchased win even a scam....This is a day light crime," Haasan charged. He recalled Election Commission rescinding the bypoll for this city segment when it was to be held in April last year following complaints of money distribution. Dhinakaran was the ruling party candidate then but was later sidelined by the Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues. The chief minister and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was then a rebel leader, merged their respective factions in August last year. Dhinakaran contested last month's election as an independent candidate and polled over 89,000 votes. Haasan charged that both the "independent" and the "ruling side fixed rates" for voters. Alleging that people had voted for money, Haasan, in the article, said "you have been sold out." Dhinakaran, responding to Haasan's allegations, hit out at the award-winning star, saying he had "insulted" and "hurt" the RK Nagar voters by making such allegations. Haasan's charge was "strongly condemnable," he told reporters. "This doesn't befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money," Dhinakaran said. He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, "Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won." "Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Don't hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations)," Dhinakaran said. Questioning whether Kamal Haasan was a 'judge' or 'God,' Dhinakaran said the actor should have contested the bypoll to face the reality. Apparently hitting out at the actor's political ambitions, Dhinakaran asked "can such people survive in politics." "Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else," he said. On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have "recognised we are Amma's (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters)". Dhinakaran dared those making such allegations to reiterate them by holding a public meeting at RK Nagar. Haasan, who has announced his intentions of entering politics, has been vocal on a number of issues ranging from corruption to right wing extremism.

RK Nagar bypoll win was a 'purchased' one: Kamal Haasan

The ruling AIADMK on Sunday alleged there was a &quot;tacit understanding&quot; between TTV Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK to defeat it in the RK Nagar bypoll, in which the sidelined party leader emerged victorious.

The party is also likely to brainstorm on today&#39;s defeat at a meeting here tomorrow, party sources said.

Asserting that the win achieved by &quot;conspiracy&quot; by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK, party coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami said DMK, their party&#39;s arch rival, faced its &quot;worst defeat&quot; in an election to any Assembly segment in Tamil Nadu so far.

Dhinakaran won the bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing deposit. AIADMKs&#39; E Madhusudanan came second.

The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

&quot;The result of the RK Nagar bypoll is an outcome of the tacit understanding between DMK Working President MK Stalin and Dhinakaran,&quot; Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said in a joint statement tonight.

Rejecting the charge, Stalin alleged it was the state ministers under the charge of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam who aided the Dhinakaran camp in distributing money to the voters.

Responding to reporters&#39;&nbsp;queries on the charge by AIADMK, he asserted that the DMK faced the poll only in &quot;alliance with democracy&quot;.

&quot;Hence this poll is not a loss for DMK. It is a huge defeat for the Election Commission,&quot; Stalin claimed.

The joint statement said the bypoll result showed how Stalin and Dhinakaran &quot;planned to defame&quot; party founder, the late MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa by &quot;joining hands to defeat&quot; Two leaves, the AIADMK&#39;s symbol.

&quot;People are amazed how DMK is pushed to a situation where it could not even get the primary votes it has in RK Nagar. At the same time, they are questioning how DMK can enter into a conspiracy with Dhinakaran to defame Amma,&quot; they added.

Stalin had entered into such a &quot;tacit understanding&quot; unmindful of his party&#39;s performance as his sole intention was to target the AIADMK government, they alleged.

Taking a swipe at Dhinakaran, the two leaders said he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante VK Sasikala.

They also accused him of &quot;betraying&quot; Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with DMK.

They cited Dhinakaran&#39;s response to the acquittal of DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja, in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21, that he was happy for them as they hailed from Tamil Nadu.

&quot;The election outcome shows he (Dhinakaran) received DMK votes as a reward for this. Realising he cannot take on AIADMK and Two Leaves directly, Stalin has diverted his party votes to Dhinakaran,&quot; they charged and accused the DMK leader of &quot;betraying&quot; his party.

The two AIADMK leaders also levelled allegations of money distribution against Dhinakaran.

They said Dhinakaran&#39;s victory cannot be accepted as the &quot;thought process&quot; of the people of entire Tamil Nadu.

The win achieved by &quot;conspiracy&quot; by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK nor was it a setback, they said.

They vowed to take forward the &quot;Amma rule&quot; and deliver welfare and commit to upholding Jayalalithaa&#39;s fame.

In Coimbatore, senior BJP leader L Ganesan said this was a victory of Jayalalithaa and AIADMK should introspect about the results, which would have been different had it remained a single entity.

On his party&#39;s performance, Ganesan said people had not not taken into considering the BJP&#39;s presence in the contest. This was a factor to be thought about, he added.

Senior AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said the result proved that DMK was not able to break the Jayalalithaa citadel and its campaign had no impact on the people.&nbsp;

TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes

The ruling AIADMK on Sunday alleged there was a "tacit understanding" between TTV Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK to defeat it in the RK Nagar bypoll, in which the sidelined party leader emerged victorious. The party is also likely to brainstorm on today's defeat at a meeting here tomorrow, party sources said. Asserting that the win achieved by "conspiracy" by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK, party coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami said DMK, their party's arch rival, faced its "worst defeat" in an election to any Assembly segment in Tamil Nadu so far. Dhinakaran won the bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing deposit. AIADMKs' E Madhusudanan came second. The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa. "The result of the RK Nagar bypoll is an outcome of the tacit understanding between DMK Working President MK Stalin and Dhinakaran," Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said in a joint statement tonight. Rejecting the charge, Stalin alleged it was the state ministers under the charge of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam who aided the Dhinakaran camp in distributing money to the voters. Responding to reporters' queries on the charge by AIADMK, he asserted that the DMK faced the poll only in "alliance with democracy". "Hence this poll is not a loss for DMK. It is a huge defeat for the Election Commission," Stalin claimed. The joint statement said the bypoll result showed how Stalin and Dhinakaran "planned to defame" party founder, the late MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa by "joining hands to defeat" Two leaves, the AIADMK's symbol. "People are amazed how DMK is pushed to a situation where it could not even get the primary votes it has in RK Nagar. At the same time, they are questioning how DMK can enter into a conspiracy with Dhinakaran to defame Amma," they added. Stalin had entered into such a "tacit understanding" unmindful of his party's performance as his sole intention was to target the AIADMK government, they alleged. Taking a swipe at Dhinakaran, the two leaders said he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante VK Sasikala. They also accused him of "betraying" Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with DMK. They cited Dhinakaran's response to the acquittal of DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja, in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21, that he was happy for them as they hailed from Tamil Nadu. "The election outcome shows he (Dhinakaran) received DMK votes as a reward for this. Realising he cannot take on AIADMK and Two Leaves directly, Stalin has diverted his party votes to Dhinakaran," they charged and accused the DMK leader of "betraying" his party. The two AIADMK leaders also levelled allegations of money distribution against Dhinakaran. They said Dhinakaran's victory cannot be accepted as the "thought process" of the people of entire Tamil Nadu. The win achieved by "conspiracy" by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK nor was it a setback, they said. They vowed to take forward the "Amma rule" and deliver welfare and commit to upholding Jayalalithaa's fame. In Coimbatore, senior BJP leader L Ganesan said this was a victory of Jayalalithaa and AIADMK should introspect about the results, which would have been different had it remained a single entity. On his party's performance, Ganesan said people had not not taken into considering the BJP's presence in the contest. This was a factor to be thought about, he added. Senior AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said the result proved that DMK was not able to break the Jayalalithaa citadel and its campaign had no impact on the people.

RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges 'tacit understanding' with DMK

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-inaugurate-metros-magenta-line-today-with-yogi-adityanath-delhi-cm-kejriwal-not-invited-27625" target="_blank">PM&nbsp;Modi to inaugurate Metro&#39;s Magenta Line today with Yogi Adityanath, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited</a>

The new 12.64-km route -- from Delhi&#39;s Kalkaji Mandir to Noida&#39;s Botanical Garden -- is expected to cut travel time from south Delhi to Noida by as much as 40 minutes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-to-meet-his-wife-mother-later-today-27627">Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet wife, mother today</a>

Jadhav faces alleged charges of espionage, terrorist and sabotage activities.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-win-for-dinakaran-aiadmk-alleges-tacit-understanding-with-dmk-27622">RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges &#39;tacit understanding&#39; with DMK</a>

TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-pleads-for-migrants-at-christmas-mass-27619">Pope pleads for migrants &#39;driven from their land&#39; by leaders willing to shed &#39;innocent blood&#39;</a>

Francis was speaking at his Christmas eve mass at Saint Peter&#39;s Basilica in the Vatican.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-morales-decides-to-move-guatemalas-embassy-to-jerusalem-27617">Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem</a>

Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump&#39;s change of stance on Jerusalem.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi Metro's Magenta Line today

PM Modi to inaugurate Metro's Magenta Line today with Yogi Adityanath, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited The new 12.64-km route -- from Delhi's Kalkaji Mandir to Noida's Botanical Garden -- is expected to cut travel time from south Delhi to Noida by as much as 40 minutes. Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet wife, mother today Jadhav faces alleged charges of espionage, terrorist and sabotage activities. RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges 'tacit understanding' with DMK TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes. Pope pleads for migrants 'driven from their land' by leaders willing to shed 'innocent blood' Francis was speaking at his Christmas eve mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump's change of stance on Jerusalem.

WION morning news brief, December 25, 2017

The loss in RK Nagar bypoll - late chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s constituency - has not gone down well with her party, the AIADMK.

The party on Monday removed S Vetrivel, Thanga Tamil Selvan, Rangaswamy, Muththaiya, VP Kalairajan,&nbsp;Va Pugazhenthi, Nanchil Sampath, CR Saraswathi&nbsp;and Sholinghur Parthiban after a high-level committee meeting. The meeting was called to discuss party&#39;s performance in RK Nagar bypoll in which VK Sasikala&#39;s nephew <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ttv-dhinakaran-leads-rk-nagar-bypoll-says-aiadmk-government-will-go-in-three-months-27589">TTV Dhinakaran</a> emerged victorious.

These nine office-bearers were removed as they were supporting Dhinakaran, sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dhinakaran-wins-rk-nagar-bypoll-in-big-blow-for-aiadmk-27597">Dhinakaran won the bypoll</a> to the prestigious seat by a whopping margin of over 40,000 votes -&nbsp; higher than the margin of 39,495 votes secured by late Tamil Nadu chief minister last year - while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing his deposit. AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudanan came second.

The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Dhinakaran&#39;s victory is seen as a jolt to the AIADMK which was expected to retain the seat in view of the Election Commission alloting it the &#39;Two-Leaves&#39; symbol beside being in power.

AIADMK alleged that there was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-win-for-dinakaran-aiadmk-alleges-tacit-understanding-with-dmk-27622">&quot;tacit understanding&quot;</a> between Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK.

However, AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami asserted that the win would not affect the party.

The two leaders also took a swipe at Dhinakaran, saying he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante V K Sasikala.

They also accused him of &quot;betraying&quot; Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with the DMK.

These nine office-bearers were removed as they were supporting Dhinakaran, sources said

The loss in RK Nagar bypoll - late chief minister Jayalalithaa's constituency - has not gone down well with her party, the AIADMK. The party on Monday removed S Vetrivel, Thanga Tamil Selvan, Rangaswamy, Muththaiya, VP Kalairajan, Va Pugazhenthi, Nanchil Sampath, CR Saraswathi and Sholinghur Parthiban after a high-level committee meeting. The meeting was called to discuss party's performance in RK Nagar bypoll in which VK Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran emerged victorious. These nine office-bearers were removed as they were supporting Dhinakaran, sources said. Dhinakaran won the bypoll to the prestigious seat by a whopping margin of over 40,000 votes - higher than the margin of 39,495 votes secured by late Tamil Nadu chief minister last year - while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing his deposit. AIADMK's E Madhusudanan came second. The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Dhinakaran's victory is seen as a jolt to the AIADMK which was expected to retain the seat in view of the Election Commission alloting it the 'Two-Leaves' symbol beside being in power. AIADMK alleged that there was a "tacit understanding" between Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK. However, AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami asserted that the win would not affect the party. The two leaders also took a swipe at Dhinakaran, saying he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante V K Sasikala. They also accused him of "betraying" Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with the DMK.

RK Nagar bypoll loss: AIADMK removes 9 office bearers

ith early trends of counting of votes for RK Nagar bypoll favouring independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, the sidelined leader today said it showed that people want a change of regime.&nbsp;The sidelined AIADMK leader said, &quot;We are the true AIADMK... People of RK Nagar have elected Amma&#39;s successor&quot;.

He also sought to make light of the K Palaniswami camp winning the Two Leaves symbol after both camps staked a claim for it before the Election Commission.&nbsp;&quot;During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime,&quot; he said.

Dhinakaran&#39;s statement to reporters here came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK&#39;s N Maruthu Ganesh.&nbsp;Claiming victory, he said &quot;this is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters&quot; on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR.

On the symbol issue, with the Election Commission awarding it recently to the Palaniswamy-led camp, Dhinakaran said only a candidate determines the symbol.&nbsp;&quot;We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the &#39;Two Leaves&#39; will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa&quot;, he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters.

Nambiar and Veerappa are famous yesteryear villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol&#39;s films.&nbsp;Dhinakaran said the Palaniswami government will &quot;end in three months&quot;. Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.

Jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin

ith early trends of counting of votes for RK Nagar bypoll favouring independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, the sidelined leader today said it showed that people want a change of regime. The sidelined AIADMK leader said, "We are the true AIADMK... People of RK Nagar have elected Amma's successor". He also sought to make light of the K Palaniswami camp winning the Two Leaves symbol after both camps staked a claim for it before the Election Commission. "During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime," he said. Dhinakaran's statement to reporters here came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK's N Maruthu Ganesh. Claiming victory, he said "this is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters" on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR. On the symbol issue, with the Election Commission awarding it recently to the Palaniswamy-led camp, Dhinakaran said only a candidate determines the symbol. "We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the 'Two Leaves' will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa", he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters. Nambiar and Veerappa are famous yesteryear villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol's films. Dhinakaran said the Palaniswami government will "end in three months". Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.

RK Nagar: Dhinakaran says trends reflect people wanting change

This is one record the BJP candidate who contested the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dhinakaran-wins-rk-nagar-bypoll-in-big-blow-for-aiadmk-27597">RK Nagar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dhinakaran-wins-rk-nagar-bypoll-in-big-blow-for-aiadmk-27597">bypoll</a> will not be proud of, as NOTA got more votes than he did.

While the main battle was confined to the giants--TTV Dhinakaran and AIADMK veteran E Madhusudhanan, in an interesting aside, NOTA pipped the saffron party&#39;s Karu Nagarajan.

As many as 2,373 voters from the constituency did not want to vote for anyone and pressed the EVM button for None of the Above (NOTA), leaving Nagarajan with a meagre 1,417 votes.

This was his second electoral failure in as many years.

Nagarajan, a regular face in Tamil TV channels who puts forth his party&#39;s views on various issues, had unsuccessfully contested the 2016 Assembly polls from Mylapore constituency in this city.

AIADMK had then won the seat.

While the main battle was confined to TTV Dhinakaran and AIADMK veteran E Madhusudhanan, in an interesting aside, NOTA pipped the saffron party's Karu Nagarajan who was left with a meagre 1,417 votes

This is one record the BJP candidate who contested the RK Nagar bypoll will not be proud of, as NOTA got more votes than he did. While the main battle was confined to the giants--TTV Dhinakaran and AIADMK veteran E Madhusudhanan, in an interesting aside, NOTA pipped the saffron party's Karu Nagarajan. As many as 2,373 voters from the constituency did not want to vote for anyone and pressed the EVM button for None of the Above (NOTA), leaving Nagarajan with a meagre 1,417 votes. This was his second electoral failure in as many years. Nagarajan, a regular face in Tamil TV channels who puts forth his party's views on various issues, had unsuccessfully contested the 2016 Assembly polls from Mylapore constituency in this city. AIADMK had then won the seat.

NOTA gets more votes than BJP candidate in RK Nagar bypoll

Sidelined AIADMK leader and independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-live-counting-of-votes-begins-early-trends-say-ttv-dinakaran-in-lead-27565">has won the RK Nagar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-live-counting-of-votes-begins-early-trends-say-ttv-dinakaran-in-lead-27565">bypoll</a> beating his rival, AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes.

Dhinakaran defeated his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK by 40,707 votes, officials announced as the counting of votes ended.&nbsp;

Dhinakaran, nephew of Jayalalithaa&#39;s close aide Sasikala won 89,013 votes. Madhusudhanan, the candidate of the O Panneerselvam (OPS) and E Palaniswami (EPS) ruling AIADMK won 48,306 votes. The DMK was represented by N Marudhu Ganesh who won&nbsp;24,651 votes while Karu Nagarajan was the BJP candidate and won 1,417 votes.

The results will come as a big blow to the ruling AIADMK since five-time former chief minister Jayalalithaa won her last two elections from RK Nagar.

The seat fell vacant after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death last year.&nbsp;

Dhinakaran bettered the record of Jayalalithaa, who had won by a margin of 39,545 votes in the 2016 Assembly polls.

After the results, Dhinakaran said he was confident that the ruling AIADMK government would not last for more than two more months.

&quot;It&#39;s a victory for all. This government will not be here for two more months. Two leaves symbol was a victory symbol when it was with amma (Jayalalithaa). But now it&#39;s with villains, how can they win,&quot; Dhinakaran said after his victory.

Tamil Nadu chief minister-led K Palaniswami camp was allotted the AIADMK&#39;s &quot;two leaves&quot;&nbsp;symbol by&nbsp;the Election Commission on&nbsp;grounds that enjoyed a&nbsp;majority in the party&#39;s legislative and organisational wings.&nbsp;Dhinakaran contested as an independent on the pressure cooker symbol.&nbsp;

Earlier, as results showed him emerging victorious, Dhinakaran said the thumping majority received by him was an indication of &quot;where the party symbol and the party will remain.&quot;

Dhinakaran said that he believed that the ruling AIADMK government <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ttv-dhinakaran-leads-rk-nagar-bypoll-says-aiadmk-government-will-go-in-three-months-27589">would go in the next three months</a>.

&quot;RK Nagar was represented by &#39;Amma&#39;. The thumping majority which the voters have given is an indication where the party symbol and the party will remain. I thank the people of RK Nagar and party workers who have shown massive support for me,&quot; TTV Dhinakaran said in Madurai.

&quot;I firmly believe that it is time for this government to go, and in the coming 3 months you will see this government go,&quot; he said. 
 
The RK Nagar by-elections were held on Thursday, with voter turnout recorded at 77.68 per cent.

The election commission said the turnout was the highest figure since 2011.

The by-election was actually scheduled for April this year but was postponed after allegations surfaced of voters being bribed.&nbsp;

The EPS and OPS factions had merged in August this year after deposing Dhinakaran and Sasikala, who is serving a four-year jail term in a Bengaluru prison in a corruption case.

(With inputs from agencies)

The results will come as a big blow to the ruling AIADMK led by Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam since five-time former chief minister Jayalalithaa won her last two elections from RK Nagar

Sidelined AIADMK leader and independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran has won the RK Nagar bypoll beating his rival, AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes. Dhinakaran defeated his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK by 40,707 votes, officials announced as the counting of votes ended. Dhinakaran, nephew of Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala won 89,013 votes. Madhusudhanan, the candidate of the O Panneerselvam (OPS) and E Palaniswami (EPS) ruling AIADMK won 48,306 votes. The DMK was represented by N Marudhu Ganesh who won 24,651 votes while Karu Nagarajan was the BJP candidate and won 1,417 votes. The results will come as a big blow to the ruling AIADMK since five-time former chief minister Jayalalithaa won her last two elections from RK Nagar. The seat fell vacant after Jayalalithaa's death last year. Dhinakaran bettered the record of Jayalalithaa, who had won by a margin of 39,545 votes in the 2016 Assembly polls. After the results, Dhinakaran said he was confident that the ruling AIADMK government would not last for more than two more months. "It's a victory for all. This government will not be here for two more months. Two leaves symbol was a victory symbol when it was with amma (Jayalalithaa). But now it's with villains, how can they win," Dhinakaran said after his victory. Tamil Nadu chief minister-led K Palaniswami camp was allotted the AIADMK's "two leaves" symbol by the Election Commission on grounds that enjoyed a majority in the party's legislative and organisational wings. Dhinakaran contested as an independent on the pressure cooker symbol. Earlier, as results showed him emerging victorious, Dhinakaran said the thumping majority received by him was an indication of "where the party symbol and the party will remain." Dhinakaran said that he believed that the ruling AIADMK government would go in the next three months. "RK Nagar was represented by 'Amma'. The thumping majority which the voters have given is an indication where the party symbol and the party will remain. I thank the people of RK Nagar and party workers who have shown massive support for me," TTV Dhinakaran said in Madurai. "I firmly believe that it is time for this government to go, and in the coming 3 months you will see this government go," he said. The RK Nagar by-elections were held on Thursday, with voter turnout recorded at 77.68 per cent. The election commission said the turnout was the highest figure since 2011. The by-election was actually scheduled for April this year but was postponed after allegations surfaced of voters being bribed. The EPS and OPS factions had merged in August this year after deposing Dhinakaran and Sasikala, who is serving a four-year jail term in a Bengaluru prison in a corruption case. (With inputs from agencies)

Dhinakaran wins RK Nagar bypoll in big blow for ruling AIADMK

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-voting-begins-in-rk-nagar-27326">Live Updates: Voting begins in RK Nagar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-voting-begins-in-rk-nagar-27326">bypoll</a>

Voting began today in the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll in Chennai after a high-voltage campaign by the ruling AIADMK, Independent candidate TTV Dinkarakan and DMK for late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa&#39;s seat.

The bypoll was initially scheduled for April 12 but the Election Commission cancelled it over allegation of votes being bought by parties in the vote-for-cash scam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fog-30-trains-delayed-15-cancelled-27325">Delhi fog: 30 trains delayed, 15 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fog-30-trains-delayed-15-cancelled-27325">cancelled</a>

For the second consecutive day today, trains continued to get delayed and cancelled in the national capital due to fog.

Thirty trains were delayed, 11 rescheduled and 15 cancelled due to low visibility and other operational reasons, ANI reported.

Several trains have also been delayed in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh on account of fog.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-to-pronounce-verdict-in-2g-scam-today-27328">Delhi court to pronounce verdict in 2G scam today</a>

After seven years, a Delhi court will today pronounce its verdict in the 2G spectrum allocation scam cases, which rattled the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government during its second term.

The judgement by special CBI judge OP Saini will decide the fate of former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and several others accused in the 2007-08 case which, as per a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, caused a loss of Rs. 1.76 lakh crore to the state exchequer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-north-korean-soldier-defects-to-south-korea-27322">South Korean army fires warning shots after North Korean soldier defects across DMZ</a>

As a North Korean soldier crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, South Korean soldiers fired around 20 warning shots as troops approached the border, the South Korean defence ministry said.

The Northern border guards appeared to be searching for the man, who had earlier crossed the DMZ under thick fog, a ministry spokesman told AFP.

Just a month after a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea, another soldier from Kim&#39;s regime crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-taimur-ali-khans-first-birthday-was-strictly-a-family-affair-see-inside-pics-27323">Taimur Ali Khan&#39;s first birthday was strictly a family affair; see inside pics</a>

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan&#39;s baby boy turned one on Wednesday and the couple brought in his birthday at the Pataudi Palace in an intimate gathering. In attendance were Kareena&#39;s parents, Randhir Kapoor and Babita and sister Kareena Kapoor along with her two children. Saif&#39;s mother, actress Sharmila Tagore was also present and so were Kareena&#39;s uncle Karan Kapoor and cousin Zahaan.&nbsp;

The center of attraction was, of course, the birthday boy, Taimur. A celebrity in his own right, Taimur cut his birthday cake along with his parents while his grandmothers looked on. The cake was a three-tier cake, complete with animals and a mini-jungle.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Live Updates: Voting begins in RK Nagar bypoll Voting began today in the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll in Chennai after a high-voltage campaign by the ruling AIADMK, Independent candidate TTV Dinkarakan and DMK for late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's seat. The bypoll was initially scheduled for April 12 but the Election Commission cancelled it over allegation of votes being bought by parties in the vote-for-cash scam. Delhi fog: 30 trains delayed, 15 cancelled For the second consecutive day today, trains continued to get delayed and cancelled in the national capital due to fog. Thirty trains were delayed, 11 rescheduled and 15 cancelled due to low visibility and other operational reasons, ANI reported. Several trains have also been delayed in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh on account of fog. Delhi court to pronounce verdict in 2G scam today After seven years, a Delhi court will today pronounce its verdict in the 2G spectrum allocation scam cases, which rattled the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government during its second term. The judgement by special CBI judge OP Saini will decide the fate of former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and several others accused in the 2007-08 case which, as per a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, caused a loss of Rs. 1.76 lakh crore to the state exchequer. South Korean army fires warning shots after North Korean soldier defects across DMZ As a North Korean soldier crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, South Korean soldiers fired around 20 warning shots as troops approached the border, the South Korean defence ministry said. The Northern border guards appeared to be searching for the man, who had earlier crossed the DMZ under thick fog, a ministry spokesman told AFP. Just a month after a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea, another soldier from Kim's regime crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today. Taimur Ali Khan's first birthday was strictly a family affair; see inside pics Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's baby boy turned one on Wednesday and the couple brought in his birthday at the Pataudi Palace in an intimate gathering. In attendance were Kareena's parents, Randhir Kapoor and Babita and sister Kareena Kapoor along with her two children. Saif's mother, actress Sharmila Tagore was also present and so were Kareena's uncle Karan Kapoor and cousin Zahaan. The center of attraction was, of course, the birthday boy, Taimur. A celebrity in his own right, Taimur cut his birthday cake along with his parents while his grandmothers looked on. The cake was a three-tier cake, complete with animals and a mini-jungle.

WION news brief, December 21, 2017

An estimated 68.5 per cent votes were cast in today&#39;s by-poll for Pakke-Kessang and Likabali constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, polling for which was held today.

Pakke-Kessang recorded 86 per cent polling, while Likabali constituency recorded 51 per cent, Joint Chief Electoral officer D J Bhattacharjee informed.

The polling percentage in both constituencies will increase as reports from several polling stations are yet to be received by the election office here.

The polling which began at 7 AM in the morning was largely peaceful except for an incident of damage to EVM by miscreants at Siberity, a booth in Likabali constituency where polling was suspended, Bhatacharjee informed.

&ldquo;Technical snag developed in one EVM at Durpai polling station under Likabali due to which polling was suspended,&rdquo; he said adding re-polling would be ordered in both the booths.

Though polling was moderate during the morning hours due to chilly weather conditions, it gained momentum as the day progresses.

Elaborate security arrangements were made with state police, ITBP and four companies of central paramilitary forces being deployed. The critical polling booths were covered by CRPF and IRB personnel.

Altogether 150 polling personnel were deployed for Pakke-Kessang, while 220 polling personnel conducted the polling in Likabali, Bhattacharjee said.

The Pakke-Kessang assembly seat has 7,455 voters including 3943 women, while Likabali has 10608 electorates including 5331 women voters.

Former deputy chief minister Kameng Dolo (Congress) is contesting against BJP nominee B R Waghe in Pakke-Kessang, while the Likabali constituency witnessed a multi-cornered contest by Kardo Nyigyor (BJP), Modam Dini (Congress), Gumke Riba of Peoples? Party of Arunachal and Independent candidate Sengo Taipodia.

The Likabali seat had fallen vacant after the death of state health and family welfare minister Jomde Kena in September.

The Pakke-Kessang fell vacant after the Gauhati High Court declared null and void the election of Kameng Dolo from the seat in 2014 following an election petition filed against him by BJP nominee and former minister Atum Welly.

Welly had alleged that a fraudulent move had thrown threw him out of the election as the EC had accepted a forged letter of withdrawal of his candidature that led to the election of his lone opponent.

Welly, in his election petition earlier, had said that his signature was forged in the letter.

&nbsp;

An estimated 68.5 per cent votes were cast in today's by-poll for Pakke-Kessang and Likabali constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, polling for which was held today

An estimated 68.5 per cent votes were cast in today's by-poll for Pakke-Kessang and Likabali constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, polling for which was held today. Pakke-Kessang recorded 86 per cent polling, while Likabali constituency recorded 51 per cent, Joint Chief Electoral officer D J Bhattacharjee informed. The polling percentage in both constituencies will increase as reports from several polling stations are yet to be received by the election office here. The polling which began at 7 AM in the morning was largely peaceful except for an incident of damage to EVM by miscreants at Siberity, a booth in Likabali constituency where polling was suspended, Bhatacharjee informed. “Technical snag developed in one EVM at Durpai polling station under Likabali due to which polling was suspended,” he said adding re-polling would be ordered in both the booths. Though polling was moderate during the morning hours due to chilly weather conditions, it gained momentum as the day progresses. Elaborate security arrangements were made with state police, ITBP and four companies of central paramilitary forces being deployed. The critical polling booths were covered by CRPF and IRB personnel. Altogether 150 polling personnel were deployed for Pakke-Kessang, while 220 polling personnel conducted the polling in Likabali, Bhattacharjee said. The Pakke-Kessang assembly seat has 7,455 voters including 3943 women, while Likabali has 10608 electorates including 5331 women voters. Former deputy chief minister Kameng Dolo (Congress) is contesting against BJP nominee B R Waghe in Pakke-Kessang, while the Likabali constituency witnessed a multi-cornered contest by Kardo Nyigyor (BJP), Modam Dini (Congress), Gumke Riba of Peoples? Party of Arunachal and Independent candidate Sengo Taipodia. The Likabali seat had fallen vacant after the death of state health and family welfare minister Jomde Kena in September. The Pakke-Kessang fell vacant after the Gauhati High Court declared null and void the election of Kameng Dolo from the seat in 2014 following an election petition filed against him by BJP nominee and former minister Atum Welly. Welly had alleged that a fraudulent move had thrown threw him out of the election as the EC had accepted a forged letter of withdrawal of his candidature that led to the election of his lone opponent. Welly, in his election petition earlier, had said that his signature was forged in the letter.

68.5 per cent votes cast in Arunachal by-poll

Tamil actor Vishal, who has been critical of corruption in the film industry and has recently taken on politicians openly, has announced that he will be contesting the RK Nagar bypoll.&nbsp;

The actor will contest as an independent candidate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mk-stalin-gets-busy-a-day-after-rk-nagar-bypoll-date-announced-25082">Vishal said that he will be stating the reasons for entering the fray</a> in this particular bypoll after filing his nomination. The actor is expected to file his nomination on Monday.

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Tamil actor Vishal to take political plunge by contesting Dec 21 R K Nagar Assembly bypoll, his office says
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/936984580665491457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Vishal has been vocal about corruption in the film industry and has recently taken on politicians openly. While he criticised BJP leader H. Raja during the Mersal controversy, he also warned politicians not to interfere in the case of suicide of producer Ashok Kumar of Company Productions. &ldquo;If any MLA or MP interferes, we will take them on,&rdquo; reports quoting the actor said.

Reports quoting actor&#39;s close associates say that he has been thinking about taking the political plunge as he is fed up with politics in the State. He is also the general secretary of Nadigar Sangam and was recently elected as the president of Tamil Film Producers Council.

Meanwhile, BJP on Saturday announced Karu Nagarajan as the candidate for RK Nagar bypoll. 
&nbsp;

Vishal said that he will be stating the reasons for entering the fray in this particular bypoll after filing his nomination. The actor is expected to file his nomination on Monday.

Tamil actor Vishal, who has been critical of corruption in the film industry and has recently taken on politicians openly, has announced that he will be contesting the RK Nagar bypoll. The actor will contest as an independent candidate. Vishal said that he will be stating the reasons for entering the fray in this particular bypoll after filing his nomination. The actor is expected to file his nomination on Monday. Tamil actor Vishal to take political plunge by contesting Dec 21 R K Nagar Assembly bypoll, his office says — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 2, 2017 × Vishal has been vocal about corruption in the film industry and has recently taken on politicians openly. While he criticised BJP leader H. Raja during the Mersal controversy, he also warned politicians not to interfere in the case of suicide of producer Ashok Kumar of Company Productions. “If any MLA or MP interferes, we will take them on,” reports quoting the actor said. Reports quoting actor's close associates say that he has been thinking about taking the political plunge as he is fed up with politics in the State. He is also the general secretary of Nadigar Sangam and was recently elected as the president of Tamil Film Producers Council. Meanwhile, BJP on Saturday announced Karu Nagarajan as the candidate for RK Nagar bypoll.

Tamil actor Vishal to enter fray in RK Nagar bypoll

Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, who is contesting the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, today declared movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 74 lakh, a tad higher than his earlier declaration in April.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991">Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991"> to the constituency as then AIADMK </a>(Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh.

In his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission along with his nomination papers today, Dhinakaran said his movable and immovable assets totalled Rs 74,17,807, with movable assets valued at Rs 57.44 lakh.

His movable assets were Rs 16.73 lakh, the 53 year-old former MP said.

Further, the gross total value of movable assets of his spouse and a dependent was around Rs 6.87 crore and Rs 1.17 crore, respectively, he declared in the affidavit.

Among the cases taken cognisance of by court was the one regarding the alleged bribery of an Election Commission official as part of the Two Leaves dispute, he said.

Delhi Police had earlier filed the case against him and the sidelined leader is now on bail, with the other accused being one Sukesh Chandrasekar.

Four FIR&#39;s were pending against him on other matters, Dhinakaran added.

Dhinakaran&#39;s challenger and AIADMK nominee E Madhusudhanan declared movable and immovable assets valued at over Rs 1.49 crore.

The 75 year-old veteran, who took on Dhinakaran as the candidate of then rebel O Panneerselvam camp in April, also mentioned he had no pending cases against him.

While the value of his movable property stood at Rs 12.53 lakh, that of his immovable property was Rs 1.37 crore, he said in his affidavit. He had no liabilities, he added.

The party veteran has been fielded once again to face the bypoll, this time as the AIADMK candidate.

Last week, the Election Commission had allotted the &#39;Two Leaves&#39; symbol to the Palaniswami-led faction, as both his led camp as well as that of Dhinakaran had staked claim for it.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had merged their respective led factions in August this year.

Meanwhile, DMK&#39;s N Maruthu Ganesh, a political greenhorn, declared assets valued at Rs 12.57 lakh.

A B.Com, LLB graduate,Maruthu Ganesh said in his affidavit that his immovable assets were valued at Rs 10 lakh, even as his liabilities to two private persons stood at a similar sum.

A case under Section 4(b) of Tamil Nadu open places (prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959, was pending against him.

All the three persons had earlier in the day filed their nominations to contest the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll, necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in December last.

Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 bypoll to the constituency as then AIADMK (Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh

Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, who is contesting the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, today declared movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 74 lakh, a tad higher than his earlier declaration in April. Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 bypoll to the constituency as then AIADMK (Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh. In his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission along with his nomination papers today, Dhinakaran said his movable and immovable assets totalled Rs 74,17,807, with movable assets valued at Rs 57.44 lakh. His movable assets were Rs 16.73 lakh, the 53 year-old former MP said. Further, the gross total value of movable assets of his spouse and a dependent was around Rs 6.87 crore and Rs 1.17 crore, respectively, he declared in the affidavit. Among the cases taken cognisance of by court was the one regarding the alleged bribery of an Election Commission official as part of the Two Leaves dispute, he said. Delhi Police had earlier filed the case against him and the sidelined leader is now on bail, with the other accused being one Sukesh Chandrasekar. Four FIR's were pending against him on other matters, Dhinakaran added. Dhinakaran's challenger and AIADMK nominee E Madhusudhanan declared movable and immovable assets valued at over Rs 1.49 crore. The 75 year-old veteran, who took on Dhinakaran as the candidate of then rebel O Panneerselvam camp in April, also mentioned he had no pending cases against him. While the value of his movable property stood at Rs 12.53 lakh, that of his immovable property was Rs 1.37 crore, he said in his affidavit. He had no liabilities, he added. The party veteran has been fielded once again to face the bypoll, this time as the AIADMK candidate. Last week, the Election Commission had allotted the 'Two Leaves' symbol to the Palaniswami-led faction, as both his led camp as well as that of Dhinakaran had staked claim for it. Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had merged their respective led factions in August this year. Meanwhile, DMK's N Maruthu Ganesh, a political greenhorn, declared assets valued at Rs 12.57 lakh. A B.Com, LLB graduate,Maruthu Ganesh said in his affidavit that his immovable assets were valued at Rs 10 lakh, even as his liabilities to two private persons stood at a similar sum. A case under Section 4(b) of Tamil Nadu open places (prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959, was pending against him. All the three persons had earlier in the day filed their nominations to contest the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll, necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in December last.

RK Nagar bypoll: AIADMK leader Dhinakaran declares Rs 74 lakh as assets

The Election Commission has announced the bypoll dates for prestigious RK Nagar constituency.&nbsp;

The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24.

The bypoll assumes significance as it will prove to be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol. &nbsp;

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Assembly by elections on December 21: RK Nagar(Tamil Nadu), Sikandra(UP), Sabang(West Bengal), Pakke-Kasang and Likabali(Arunachal Pradesh). Counting on December 24
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933919870755905536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The election to RK Nagar constituency will be the first elections that the AIADMK will face after the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa last December.

While the ruling combines likely to contest&nbsp;the elections in the name of Jayalalithaa, the opposition is likely to call it a referendum on the AIADMK government&#39;s performance in the past one-year.&nbsp; 
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The bypoll will be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol.

The Election Commission has announced the bypoll dates for prestigious RK Nagar constituency. The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24. The bypoll assumes significance as it will prove to be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol. Assembly by elections on December 21: RK Nagar(Tamil Nadu), Sikandra(UP), Sabang(West Bengal), Pakke-Kasang and Likabali(Arunachal Pradesh). Counting on December 24 — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2017 × The election to RK Nagar constituency will be the first elections that the AIADMK will face after the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa last December. While the ruling combines likely to contest the elections in the name of Jayalalithaa, the opposition is likely to call it a referendum on the AIADMK government's performance in the past one-year.

Bypoll to Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar Assembly seat on December 21

A day after bypoll date was announced for the former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa&#39;s prestigious RK Nagar constituency, DMK Working President MK Stalin today announced Marudhu Ganesh as DMK candidate to take on two warring AIADMK factions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stalin made the announcement after holding a meeting with party leaders at the party headquarters in Chennai.

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DMK Working President MK Stalin announces Marudhu Ganesh as candidate for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RKNagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RKNagar</a> by-elections. <a href="https://t.co/nsu2ViYwJp">pic.twitter.com/nsu2ViYwJp</a>
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Stalin earlier reached the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai for the meeting.

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DMK Working President MK Stalin reaches party headquarters in Chennai to hold a meeting on RK Nagar by-polls <a href="https://t.co/KfwRAoGEX7">pic.twitter.com/KfwRAoGEX7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934296482680684544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24.

The Election Commission announced the bypoll dates on Friday.

The Election Commission announced the bypoll dates on Friday.

A day after bypoll date was announced for the former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's prestigious RK Nagar constituency, DMK Working President MK Stalin today announced Marudhu Ganesh as DMK candidate to take on two warring AIADMK factions. Stalin made the announcement after holding a meeting with party leaders at the party headquarters in Chennai. DMK Working President MK Stalin announces Marudhu Ganesh as candidate for #RKNagar by-elections. pic.twitter.com/nsu2ViYwJp — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017 × Stalin earlier reached the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai for the meeting. DMK Working President MK Stalin reaches party headquarters in Chennai to hold a meeting on RK Nagar by-polls pic.twitter.com/KfwRAoGEX7 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017 × The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24. The Election Commission announced the bypoll dates on Friday.

DMK announces candidate for RK Nagar bypoll

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