The biggest rumour this election season, so far — at least after the AIADMK list of candidates was announced — has been the probable candidate to oppose Jayalalithaa in R.K. Nagar.
The bookies’ favourite was actor and Congress national spokesperson Kushboo, though the constituency had not been allotted to the national party.
But, clearly the proposal of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) to field Kushboo in R.K. Nagar did not find favour with the DMK.
Sources in the Congress confirmed that the proposal was indeed made to the DMK by the TNCC. Along with R.K. Nagar, the Congress also wanted two other seats: Kadayanallur and Aravakurichi. Youth Congress leader S. Jothimani had revolted against the party giving up the Aravakurichi constituency in the alliance deal.
Congress National General Secretary Mukhul Wasnik was scheduled to meet DMK President M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday evening to iron out these issues, but the meeting did not happen, sources added.
As every one was speculating about the DMK Front’s candidate for R.K. Nagar, the DMK sprung a surprise and fielded Shimla Muthuchozhan, the daughter-in-law of veteran party leader S.P. Sarguna Pandian. Ms. Shimla is a lawyer.
Ms. Kushboo’s name was on the shortlist of probables for the Mylapore constituency, though the actor had on numerous times stated that she had not filed any nomination this elections.
On Wednesday, Ms. Kushboo also told a section of the media that she had no plans to contest the elections, but would do as per the bidding of the Congress high command.
