M Subramanian, a local leader from Tiruchirappalli has been fielded by the BJP as its candidate for the February 13 by-election from Srirangam Assembly constituency. The name of Subramanian was announced by Tamilissai Sounderrajan, president of Tamil Nadu BJP on Friday. Sounderrajan said the name is being announced after discussions with DMDK chief Vijayakanth, an alliance partner of the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu. “Vijayakanth has extended his support to the BJP candidate and Subramanian will contest the election as the NDA candidate,” said Sounderarajan.
With the BJP announcing its candidate, stage is set for a four-cornered contest at Srirangam. The AIADMK, the DMK and the CPI(M) had announced their candidates. The seat fell vacant following the sentencing and conviction of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate asset case by the special court in Bangalore. Jayalalitthaa was elected from Srirangam in the 2011 Assembly election. The PMK and the MDMK had announced their decision not to contest the by-election.