2019 LS polls, Phase 2: AIADMK, DMK pitched in high voltage battle across 38 parliamentary seats

As 95 constituencies across 11 states and one Union Territory go to polls in Phase-2 of the Lok Sabha elections, Tamil Nadu’s 5.99 crore voters will be deciding the fate of 38 candidates who are in the fray for the parliamentary elections in the Southern Indian state.

Voters in Tamil Nadu ready to cast their franchise - Representative Pic - PTI)

As 95 constituencies across 11 states and one Union Territory go to polls in Phase-2 of the Lok Sabha elections, Tamil Nadu’s 5.99 crore voters will be deciding the fate of 38 candidates who are in the fray for the parliamentary elections in the Southern Indian state. Polling under phase two shall be happening in 38 out of the total 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. The election season is in full fury in TN as the by-polls for 18 State Assembly constituencies will also be held on Thursday. The AIADMK government is just hanging by the balance with a slender majority and it is important that the party wins most of the assembly seats to remain in power. The ruling AIADMK is leaving no stone upturned to clinch all the assembly seats in the by-elections and consolidate their position in the state. The total strength of the State legislative Assembly is 234. There are 22 vacancies, of which 18 Assembly constituencies will go to the polls on Thursday. The AIADMK government needs at least 116 seats for continuing remaining in government. The AIADMK’s present strength is 114 without the Speaker, who can vote in case of a tie during a vote of confidence. Meanwhile, three MLAs of the party turned Independents and it is not certain whether they will support any trust vote move. Also, three other MLAs have switched side to support rebel leader TTV Dhinakaran, who won as an Independent in the by-poll conducted for RK Nagar in Chennai, the constituency of the late Jayalalithaa. So, if these six MLAs are not taken into account, Edappadi Palaniswami-led AIADMK government needs to win at least eight of the 18 Assembly seats that will have their by-elections on Thursday. And if by-polls happen for four constituencies, the total Assembly strength will become 234 and the majority mark will also increase to 118. This indicates that the AIADMK government will require two more seats. Overall, winning of 10 seats in the 18 Assembly constituencies during the by-polls will help the AIADMK government complete its full term.