It was Madhusudhanan who was the candidate of the rebel AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma group, led by Panneerselvam, when the by-election was slated to be held earlier this year. It was cancelled by the EC later following allegations of malpractices.



Now, with the factions led by Panneerselvam and Palaniswami joining hands and the Election Commission granting them the party's name and Two Leaves symbol, it is said that Madhusudhanan would be fielded as candidate. "The EC has said in its verdict that the party's name and the symbol are being given to the unified party led by Madhusudhanan in his capacity of presidium chairman," sources pointed out.

On Monday, after a meeting of office bearers, MLAs and MPs, the AIADMK announced that its governing council had been authorised to select its candidate for the by-poll. "Accordingly, the governing council will meet here tomorrow and make a formal announcement on the AIADMK contestant," sources said.