NTK chief Seeman to contest Ambasamudram by‑poll, campaign to begin on Prabhakaran’s birthday

Campaign Launch

NTK chief Seeman signaled his intent to fight the Ambasamudram by‑election. He said the party will kick off its campaign on November 26 in Palayamkottai, marking the birthday of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, and will hold a public meeting in Ambasamudram on November 27 to observe LTTE’s Maaveerar Dhinam (Heroes Day).

By‑poll Background

The by‑poll became necessary after AIADMK nominee Esakki Subaya quit the party and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In the state assembly election earlier this year, NTK’s V. Sivasankaran received 14,906 votes in the same constituency while TVK’s S. Rajagopal secured 53,611 votes, finishing third.

Reaction

After appearing before a Tirunelveli district court on October 29, Seeman announced that NTK will contest all five pending by‑polls without waiting for a “common candidate” decision. He blamed the recent win of TVK chief Mr. Vijay on “media hype” and accused the TVK chief of arresting former minister Anbil Poyyamozhi Mahesh and searching former minister K. N. Nehru’s properties to remove them from the Tiruchi East contest. Seeman also criticised the state government for giving newborns gold rings in government hospitals instead of upgrading medical facilities.

Context

By‑elections in Tamil Nadu often trigger rapid realignments as parties scramble for vacant seats, and regional outfits like NTK use symbolic events to rally support.