DMK names Rajya Sabha candidates, Tiruchi Siva to contest again

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Sunday (March 1) announced the names of Tiruchi Siva, Anthiyur Selvaraj, and N.R. Ilango as its candidates who will be contesting in the Rajya Sabha elections to be held on March 26.

Interestingly, if Siva is elected, he will serve as a Upper House MP for the fourth consecutive time.

Out of the six Rajya Sabha MPs whose term will conclude on April 2, four are from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and one each from DMK and CPM.

The MPs S. Muthukaruppan, K. Selvaraj, and Vijila Sathyanath are retiring from their respective posts in the AIADMK camp and DMK’s Siva and CPM’s T.K. Rangarajan will also see the end of their terms in the Upper House.

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Another MP Sasikala Pushpa, who was earlier with AIADMK and was expelled from the party, later shifted her loyalties and joined the Bharatiya Janta Party.

Meanwhile, in the previous Rajya Sabha elections, the DMK gave a seat to Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and AIADMK handed over one to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

The strength of the DMK will increase to eight MPs in the Upper House if all the three candidates are elected. The AIADMK, as of now, has 11 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.

The nominations for the same can be filed between March 6 and 13, and the scrutinising process will be held on March 16. The last date for withdrawal of the application is March 18.