Explaining the reason behind the decision, former union health minister and PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss said, "This by-election will not be held in a fair manner, voters will be given bribes this time too."



He added, "We are not contesting this by-election. The decision was taken after a high-level committee meeting chaired by party founder S Ramadoss."

Earlier this year too, when the Election Commission announced the by-elections to the constituency, soon after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the PMK had decided to boycott it.

Ramadoss had stated that the PMK won't contest in the by-elections until the major parties gave an assurance in writing that they would not distribute cash for votes.

Meanwhile, the DMK has announced Marudhu Ganesh as its candidate, and parties like Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Muslim League have offered support to the contestant of the principal opposition party of the state.