R.K. Nagar bypolls: OPS faction campaigns with replica of Amma's mortal remains

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Apr. 6 (ANI): As the campaigning for the R.K. Nagar by-elections nears its end, the O. Panneerselvam-led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (AIADMK) faction approached the people with a replica of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's mortal remains asking for votes. The AIADMK leaders were seen carrying a replica of a coffin with late Jayalalithaa's figurine draped with national flag seeking votes for their candidate E. Madhusudhan. However, the act carried out by Pannerselvam drew immense criticism from the people. "This is not an ethical way of approaching people. A man like OPS must not approach like that. It is very bad because when M.G. Ramachandran died, Jayallaithaa did not involve in such acts. This is not the way for canvassing," actor Radha Ravi told ANI. During the campaign K. Pandiarajan, a key loyalist of Panneerselvam, highlighted their demand for the judicial probe into the death of Jayalalithaa. The by-elections to R.K. Nagar Assembly constituency will be held on April 12. The filing of nominations for the same began from March 16. The counting is scheduled to take place on April 17. The R.K. Nagar Assembly constituency fell vacant after the demise of Jayalalithaa. Earlier this month, Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar while launching her own political front MGR Amma Deepa Peravai announced that she would contest the elections from R.K. Nagar seat. The by-election to Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency will also be conducted on the same date. (ANI)