In an unexpected turn of events, the All India NR Congress (AINRC) managed a deal under which its nominee N. Gokula Krishnan was fielded as the AIADMK's candidate for the sole Rajya Sabha seat in the Union Territory.
In what is seen as a sign of revival of ties between AINRC and the AIADMK, leaders from both parties escorted the candidate to the office of Returning Officer S. Mohandass for formally filing the nomination.
From a partner in the successful alliance with the AINRC in the 2011 Assembly elections, the AIADMK had turned into a bitter rival after N. Rangasamy reneged on his word relating to sharing power and formed a government ignoring the AIADMK.
The unexpected renewal of ties between the political rivals over the Rajya Sabha candidature has helped Chief Minister N. Rangasamy tide over the crisis following AINRC MLA and Government Chief Whip G. Nehru resigning from the post and, along with four other legislators, forming a pressure group demanding a say in finalising the Rajya Sabha candidate. More importantly, it has opened up coalition possibilities for the Assembly elections in 2016.
Though the DMK spread word that it was fielding former Union Minister of State S. Jagathrakshakan as a common candidate, the nomination was yet to be filed even moments away from the deadline.
