Two prominent regional leaders who secured victories from multiple constituencies in the recent Assembly elections are now expected to give up one seat each, according to party leaders familiar with the developments.
As per a report by Hindustan Times, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Thalapathy Vijay is likely to vacate the Tiruchirappalli East constituency and continue as MLA from Perambur in Chennai. Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari is expected to resign from the Bhabinapur assembly seat and retain Nandigram, the constituency that has become central to his political rise.
Under the Representation of the People Act, candidates elected from two seats are required to vacate one within 14 days of the Election Commission of India notifying the results.
Suvendhu Adhikari likely to retain Nandigram
Adhikari registered a high-profile victory over West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee from Bhabinapur by 15,105 votes. He also won from Nandigram with a margin of 9,665 votes.
Also Read | Who will be Bengal’s new CM? Here’s a list of possible names
A day after the results, the BJP leader travelled to Nandigram to thank supporters and party workers. Leaders close to him indicated that the East Medinapore seat is likely to remain his political base.
Suvendhu Adhikari /ANI “Dada is likely to retain Nandigram, which falls in his home district of East Medinapore,” Hindustan Times cited a BJP leader and close aide of Adhikari as saying.
Adhikari had earlier defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly polls, a contest that significantly shaped Bengal politics. Within BJP circles, he is also being viewed as a leading contender for the chief minister’s post after the party’s electoral performance.
Also Read | Can Vijay really become CM? The numbers behind TVK’s power struggle
The BJP has announced that the swearing-in ceremony will be held on May 9, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been appointed observer for the selection of the BJP legislative party leader, who will become the next chief minister.
Vijay likely to keep Perambur seat
TVK chief Vijay secured a comfortable win from Perambur, defeating DMK candidate RD Shekar by 53,715 votes. He also emerged victorious from Tiruchirappalli East with a margin of 27,416 votes.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief Vijay /ANI Party leaders indicated that Vijay is expected to retain Perambur, considered his home constituency in Chennai. His decision to contest from Tiruchirappalli East was seen as part of a broader attempt to strengthen the party’s reach in central and southern Tamil Nadu.
TVK leaders have also hinted at the possibility of former IAS officer U Sagayam being considered for the bypoll from Tiruchirappalli East.
“The final decision will be of Thalapathy (Vijay),” a TVK leader said.
