Dhinakaran puts on a brave face, says will contest R K Nagar bypoll

Putting on a brave face after failing to secure the AIADMK's 'two leaves' poll symbol, ousted leader T T V Dhinakaran on Friday said that he would contest the R K Nagar bypoll.

"I will surely contest the election. I will also secure 'two leaves' symbol through legal ways," Dhinakaran said.

The Election Commission announced that the byelection for the Radhakrishnan Nagar (R K Nagar) Assembly constituency in Chennai would be held on December 21.

Dhinakaran said since he has the people's support, he was not worried to contest against AIADMK's "two leaves" poll symbol, which was given to the Palaniswami-Pannerselvam faction.

Earlier this year, Dhinakaran filed nomination papers from AIADMK (Amma) faction, then led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, on 'hat' symbol after the commission froze the 'two leaves' symbol following a petition filed by rebel leader O Panneerselvam.

However, the commission rescinded the bypolls following charges of bribing voters.

The seat fell vacant following the death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa.