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Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Why TVK’s Vijay replaced his candidates from Uthangarai, Hosur

Vijay TVK candidate changes saw last-minute replacements in Uthangarai and Hosur constituencies within Krishnagiri district, leading to political intrigue

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay waves the party flag during a public rally at Kolathur Assembly constituency | PTI

In a last-minute political drama, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK replaced candidates in  Uthangarai and Hosur constituencies in Krishnagiri district. While Kumaravel was initially  scheduled as the contestant in Uthangarai, Amrish was the candidate for Hosur.

However, adding to the confusion, Dr Elayaraja filed nomination as the Uthangarai  candidate while Venderkarasan became the party candidate in Hosur.

It was Vijay himself who announced the candidates for these positions in Krishnagiri district. While the cadre was expecting Kumaravel to fine in Uthangarai, Dr Elayaraja sprung a surprise when he filed his nomination in his place. Interestingly, Elayaraja was a former AIADMK district medical wing secretary. He switched parties and joined TVK after  the party failed to give him a ticket. He was declared the candidate immediately after he joined the party.

This created a fallout with Kumaravel, who immediately filed nomination as an Independent candidate.

In Hosur, Amrish was replaced by  Venderkarasan, who is the Western District Secretary. Though the party did not give an official statement, reports are that the top leadership was unsatisfied with Amrish’s campaign.