TMC not contesting RK Nagar by-poll: President Vasan

Coimbatore: Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) President GK Vasan today said the party decided not to contest the April 12 R K Nagar by-election as it has no faith in by-polls.

It was the duty of the Election Commission to instill confidence among the voters and political parties by ensuring free and fair polls, as normally the ruling party won such by-polls, Vasan told reporters here.

Vasan, who is here to participate in the party workers' meeting, said as AIADMK has split into three, it will seriously affect its victory prospects, as the voters are not aware which is the real party.

He urged the state election commission to take steps to conduct local body elections at the earliest.

On Bhavani dam issue, the former Union Minister said the state government should take steps to prevent Kerala from constructing dam across the river by approaching the Supreme Court and also exerting pressure on the neighbouring state through the Centre.

Charging the Centre with neglecting Tamil Nadu's interests, he said the protests over the Hydro Carbon project and fishermen's issue have only fallen on deaf ears.