RK Nagar Bypoll Result: TTV Dhinakaran (C) leads AIADMK's Madhusudhanan (L) and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh (R)
Here are the LIVE updates of the RK Nagar by-election result in Chennai:
RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: TTV Dhinakaran Claimes Victory, Says "Best Gift To MGR, Amma"; Predicts EPS Government Will "End In 3 Months"
TTV Dhinakaran has claimed victory after three rounds of counting in the RK Nagar by-election in which he leads AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh by a sizeable margin. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Mr Dhinakaran said, "This is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters" on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR.
Speaking about the AIADMK's 'Two-leaves' symbol, which the Election Commission awarded to Team EPS and OPS, who represent the ruling AIADMK in the state, Mr Dhinakaran said, "We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the 'Two Leaves' will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa," he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters. Mr Nambiar and Mr Veerappa are famous yesteryear movie villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol's films.
Mr Dhinakaran also said that the E Palaniswami (EPS) government will "end in three months." Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Mr Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.
(RK Nagar Bypoll Result: Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined from the AIADMK, has claimed victory over his rivals E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK and Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK after 3 rounds of counting)
TTV Dhinakaran has claimed victory after three rounds of counting in the RK Nagar by-election in which he leads AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh by a sizeable margin. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Mr Dhinakaran said, "This is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters" on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR.
Speaking about the AIADMK's 'Two-leaves' symbol, which the Election Commission awarded to Team EPS and OPS, who represent the ruling AIADMK in the state, Mr Dhinakaran said, "We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the 'Two Leaves' will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa," he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters. Mr Nambiar and Mr Veerappa are famous yesteryear movie villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol's films.
Mr Dhinakaran also said that the E Palaniswami (EPS) government will "end in three months." Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Mr Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.
(RK Nagar Bypoll Result: Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined from the AIADMK, has claimed victory over his rivals E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK and Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK after 3 rounds of counting)
RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: "We Are The Real AIADMK, People Of RK Nagar Have Voted Amma's Successor," Says TTV Dhinakaran
After three rounds of counting of votes for the high-profile RK Nagar by-election, Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran has taken a significant lead. The sidelined leader said a short while ago that the leads "showed that people want a change of regime." Mr Dhinakaran, who used to be number 2 of the AIADMK after his aunt VK Sasikala before being sidelined by EPS and OPS, said: "We are the true AIADMK. The people of RK Nagar have elected Amma's successor." The RK Nagar assembly constituency was a seat which was held twice by Jayalalithaa. She represented the seat till her death last year.
Mr Dhinakaran downplayed the EPS and OPS camp winning the 'Two-Leaves' symbol of the AIADMK. Both camps -- EPS, OPS as well as Sasikala-Dhinakaran -- had staked claim for the party symbly before the Election Commission, which ultimately ruled in favour of Team EPS and OPS.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Dhinakaran said, "During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said that the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime," he said. TTV Dhinakaran's statement to reporters in Madurai came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK's N Marudhu Ganesh.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran has taken a sizeable lead over his competitors - E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK and Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK)
After three rounds of counting of votes for the high-profile RK Nagar by-election, Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran has taken a significant lead. The sidelined leader said a short while ago that the leads "showed that people want a change of regime." Mr Dhinakaran, who used to be number 2 of the AIADMK after his aunt VK Sasikala before being sidelined by EPS and OPS, said: "We are the true AIADMK. The people of RK Nagar have elected Amma's successor." The RK Nagar assembly constituency was a seat which was held twice by Jayalalithaa. She represented the seat till her death last year.
Mr Dhinakaran downplayed the EPS and OPS camp winning the 'Two-Leaves' symbol of the AIADMK. Both camps -- EPS, OPS as well as Sasikala-Dhinakaran -- had staked claim for the party symbly before the Election Commission, which ultimately ruled in favour of Team EPS and OPS.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Dhinakaran said, "During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said that the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime," he said. TTV Dhinakaran's statement to reporters in Madurai came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK's N Marudhu Ganesh.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran has taken a sizeable lead over his competitors - E Madhusudhanan of the AIADMK and Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK)
RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: How Things Stand After Round 3 Of Counting At 11:45 AM
Just In: After round three, Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, extends his lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Just In: After round three, Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, extends his lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Here are the numbers after round 3 of counting at 11:45 am for the RK Nagar by-election constituency:
- Independent Candidate TTV Dinakaran leads after first round with 15,868 votes
- AIADMK's Madhusudhanan trails with 7,033 votes
- DMK's Marudhu Ganesh stands third with 3,691 votes
RK Nagar By-Election Result: Counting Temporarily Disrupted As Supporters Of TTV Dhinakaran And AIADMK ClashCounting of votes for the high-profile RK Nagar by-election in Chennai was temporarily disrupted this morning after an alleged altercation between supporters of Independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran and AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan." Here are the details.
RK Nagar By-Election Result LIVE: How Things Stand After Round 2 Of Counting At 11:15 AM
Just In: After round two, independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was number 2 of the AIADMK before being sidelined by EPS and OPS, extends his lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Just In: After round two, independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, who was number 2 of the AIADMK before being sidelined by EPS and OPS, extends his lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Here are the numbers after round 2 of counting at 11:15 am for the RK Nagar by-election constituency:
- Independent Candidate TTV Dinakaran leads after first round with 10,421 votes
- AIADMK's Madhusudhanan trails with 4,521 votes
- DMK's Marudhu Ganesh stands third with 2,325 votes
RK Nagar By-Election Result: 10 Facts About The High-Profile RK Nagar Bypoll
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Counting is underway for the high-profile RK Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai. Two rounds of counting are over. The result will be declared by the afternoon today)
10 Facts About The RK Nagar By-Election:
- Some exit polls had indicated an edge for TTV Dhinakaran, which seems to be coming true as Mr Dhinakaran increases his lead over AIADMK's Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh in the high-profile RK Nagar bypoll. Despite trailing, the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK have expressed confidence that they would win the seat.
- Jayalalithaa represented the seat twice and it is crucial for her party, the ruling AIADMK, to retain it to establish that Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his team are in control. The party fielded veteran E Madhusudanan, who held the seat earlier and has influence among Telugu people who have a sizeable presence in Chennai's RK Nagar.
- VK Sasikala, who is currently in jail in a corruption case and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran, had been fighting for control of the ruling party but lost to Chief Minister E Palaniswami (EPS) and his deputy O Panneerselvam (OPS).
- TTV Dhinakaran was evicted along with VK Sasikala following a deal between AIADMK's factions led by Mr Palaniswami and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam as they merged in August. Mr Dhinakaran and Ms Sasikala have challenged that decision and claim to lead the real AIADMK, though their support within the party is dwindling.
- During the campaign in Chennai's RK Nagar, the AIADMK accused Team Sasikala of hiding the facts of Jayalalithaa's illness and death. They countered the charges by releasing a video of Jayalalithaa at the hospital to establish that she was alive and recovering. However, the Election Commission ordered TV channels to take the video off air, calling it a violation of the poll code.
- Earlier this month, TTV Dhinakaran had lost the AIADMK's 'two-leaves' election symbol to the faction led by chief minister E Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam after the Election Commission recognised them as the "real" party. The sidelined AIADMK leader contested with a 'pressure cooker' as his election symbol.
- The RK Nagar by-election was shadowed by allegations of bribing voters with cash and gifts. The Election Commission, however, had refused to postpone the election despite pleas from the opposition DMK.
- The RK Nagar bypoll was postponed in April this year over allegations that the faction of jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran.
- Making it a triangular contest, the DMK fielded Marudhu Ganesh, a little-known lawyer but an RK Nagar local who is seen by many as a strong candidate.
- While the BJP has fielded a candidate too, the Left parties and the MDMK are supporting the DMK, which wants to win RK Nagar to deliver a big psychological blow to the AIADMK and reinforce its claim that the ruling party has lost popular support after the death of Ms Jayalalithaa only months after she led her party to a big win in the assembly elections last year.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Counting is underway for the high-profile RK Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai. Two rounds of counting are over. The result will be declared by the afternoon today)
RK Nagar By-Election Result: Round 2 Of Counting Over, Round 3 Begins; Updated Leads Shortly
Just In: Round two of counting over, updated figures and leads expected shortly, say election officials. Counting for round three begins.
(RK Nagar Bypoll Result: Counting of votes began at 8 am this morning and two rounds of counting have concluded. The latest leads and updated numbers are expected shortly. Round three of counting underway. [File Photo])
Just In: Round two of counting over, updated figures and leads expected shortly, say election officials. Counting for round three begins.
(RK Nagar Bypoll Result: Counting of votes began at 8 am this morning and two rounds of counting have concluded. The latest leads and updated numbers are expected shortly. Round three of counting underway. [File Photo])
RK Nagar By-Election Result: TTV Dhinakaran Takes Lead Over AIADMK, DMK; Supporters Begin Celebration
Supporters of TTV Dhinakaran, who has 5,339 votes after round one of counting, have started celebrating as he takes a the lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan who has 2,738 votes. DMK's Marudhu Ganesh is trailing in third place with 1,181 votes. Despite trailing by nearly 3,000 votes, AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan says he is "confident that we will win in the end."
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Supporters of TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined from the AIADMK, celebrate as he takes the lead after round one of counting in the RK Nagar by-election)
Supporters of TTV Dhinakaran, who has 5,339 votes after round one of counting, have started celebrating as he takes a the lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan who has 2,738 votes. DMK's Marudhu Ganesh is trailing in third place with 1,181 votes. Despite trailing by nearly 3,000 votes, AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan says he is "confident that we will win in the end."
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Supporters of TTV Dhinakaran, who was sidelined from the AIADMK, celebrate as he takes the lead after round one of counting in the RK Nagar by-election)
RK Nagar By-Election Result: How It Stands After 2 Hours Of Counting
Initial trends during the counting of votes at Chennai's RK Nagar show TTV Dhinakaran leading the race, followed by the ruling AIADMK in second place and DMK in third. Mr Dhinakaran is the nephew of VK Sasikala, the longtime companion of Jayalalithaa, who represented the seat in the Tamil Nadu assembly till her death in December last year. Mr Dhinakaran, who laid claim to Jayalalithaa's legacy, split from EPS and OPS. He is contesting as an Independent. The Election Commission had concluded that it was the EPS and OPS led faction of the AIADMK, which was the real AIADMK as it had greater support from party leaders and MLAs.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Initial leads (after round 1 of counting) show TTV Dhinakaran leading AIADMK and DMK)
Initial trends during the counting of votes at Chennai's RK Nagar show TTV Dhinakaran leading the race, followed by the ruling AIADMK in second place and DMK in third. Mr Dhinakaran is the nephew of VK Sasikala, the longtime companion of Jayalalithaa, who represented the seat in the Tamil Nadu assembly till her death in December last year. Mr Dhinakaran, who laid claim to Jayalalithaa's legacy, split from EPS and OPS. He is contesting as an Independent. The Election Commission had concluded that it was the EPS and OPS led faction of the AIADMK, which was the real AIADMK as it had greater support from party leaders and MLAs.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: Initial leads (after round 1 of counting) show TTV Dhinakaran leading AIADMK and DMK)
RK Nagar By-Election Result: Stats From Voting Day
A record 77 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the election that was held on Thursday. Election officials said the figure was the highest since 2011. During the 2016 assembly elections, around 67.6 per cent polling was recorded. Results are expected to be out by noon.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: The bypoll held in Chennai's RK Nagar assembly constituency, previosly held by Jayalalithaa, saw a record 77% turnout on voting day)
A record 77 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the election that was held on Thursday. Election officials said the figure was the highest since 2011. During the 2016 assembly elections, around 67.6 per cent polling was recorded. Results are expected to be out by noon.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: The bypoll held in Chennai's RK Nagar assembly constituency, previosly held by Jayalalithaa, saw a record 77% turnout on voting day)
Campaigning for the high-profile RK Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai had ended on Tuesday amid allegations of bribery and circulation of unverified videos of notes distribution. The Election Commission has refused to postpone the by-election further despite pleas from the opposition DMK. But the Election Commission said there was no proof. The RK Nagar by-election had been postponed in April this year over allegations that the faction of jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran. Voting was held on December 21 as scheduled by the Election Commission.
(RK Nagar by-election had been postponed in April this year over allegations that the faction of jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran)
(RK Nagar by-election had been postponed in April this year over allegations that the faction of jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran)
RK Nagar By-Election Result: How Things Stand After Round 1 Of Counting At 9:30 AM
Just In: Initial leads show sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who was number 2 of the party and the nephew of Jayalalithaa's long-time companion VK Sasikala take a lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Just In: Initial leads show sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who was number 2 of the party and the nephew of Jayalalithaa's long-time companion VK Sasikala take a lead over AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh.
Here are the numbers after the first round of counting at 9:30 am for the RK Nagar by-election constituency:
- TTV Dinakaran leads after first round with 5339 votes
- AIADMK Madhusudhanan trails with 2738 votes
- DMK's Marudhu Ganesh stands third with 1181 votes
RK Nagar By-Election Result: 3-Way Battle Between AIADMK's Madhusudhanan, DMK's Marudhu Ganesh And TTV Dhinakaran
While the AIADMK have fielded senior leader E Madhusudanan, who has held the seat before, the main opposition in Tamil Nadu - the DMK has fielded Marudhu Ganesh. DMK working president MK Stalin said on voting day that he was certain that his party would emerge victorious in the RK Nagar bypoll. Voting for the high-profile RK Nagar constituency was held on December 21, and saw a record 77 per cent turnout in the by-election.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: It's a 3-way battle between AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan (L), Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran (C), and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh for the high-profile RK Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai, previously held by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa)
While the AIADMK have fielded senior leader E Madhusudanan, who has held the seat before, the main opposition in Tamil Nadu - the DMK has fielded Marudhu Ganesh. DMK working president MK Stalin said on voting day that he was certain that his party would emerge victorious in the RK Nagar bypoll. Voting for the high-profile RK Nagar constituency was held on December 21, and saw a record 77 per cent turnout in the by-election.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: It's a 3-way battle between AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan (L), Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran (C), and DMK's Marudhu Ganesh for the high-profile RK Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai, previously held by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa)
Just In: Counting of votes for the RK Nagar assembly constituency begins. Result expected by noon.
RK Nagar By-Election Result: Will EPS, OPS Be Able To Retain Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar Seat? Or Will DMK Triumph Over AIADMK?
The result of the by-election for Chennai's RK Nagar assembly constituency, which fell vacant after the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa last December, will be declared by noon today. The AIADMK says it is confident of a win, which will help establish that Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his team are in full control.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: The AIADMK says it is confident of a win in the high-profile RK Nagar constituency. A win will help establish that Chief Minister E Palaniswami (EPS), his deputy O Panneerselvam (OPS) and their team are in full control)
The result of the by-election for Chennai's RK Nagar assembly constituency, which fell vacant after the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa last December, will be declared by noon today. The AIADMK says it is confident of a win, which will help establish that Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his team are in full control.
(RK Nagar By-Election Result: The AIADMK says it is confident of a win in the high-profile RK Nagar constituency. A win will help establish that Chief Minister E Palaniswami (EPS), his deputy O Panneerselvam (OPS) and their team are in full control)
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