After the 19th and final round of voting, TTV Dhinakaran emerges as the MLA of RK Nagar, AIADMK a distant second, and DMK loses its deposit.
The final tally of votes for the first three were as follows:
TTV Dhinakaran – 89,013
AIADMK – 47,115
DMK – 24,055
Supporters of Dhinakaran began celebrating before noon, after early counting trends put him in the lead with a massive margin in RK Nagar. His campaign was marred by the release of a video of Jayalalithaa's final moments in the hospital, as well as a cash for votes scam. He is followed by AIADMK’s E Madhusudhanan.
Amid RK Nagar Bypoll counting, TTV Dhinakaran paid a visit to the MG Ramachandran memorial in Marina Beach, after the ousted AIADMK leader landed in Chennai.
Dhinakaran paid floral tribute to late AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran on his 30th death anniversary at the memorial as he is slated to take the RK Nagar seat after the counting ends on Sunday.
I am an independent candidate for namesake but all Party (AIADMK) workers are with me. I also have Amma’s wishes.TTV Dhinakaran, Independent Candidate
Claiming victory, TTV Dhinakaran addressed the media at the Madurai airport and said, "this is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters" on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR, reports PTI.
On the symbol issue, with the Election Commission awarding it to the Palaniswamy-led camp, Dhinakaran said only a candidate determines the symbol.
We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the ‘Two Leaves’ will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa?TTV Dhinakaran, Independent Candidate
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