BJP is yet to decide on contesting Erode bypoll

THE opposition party is afraid that it may not even retain its deposit if it contested in the by-poll, Bharathi said.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

The BJP-led NDA coalition, however, is yet to announce its position on the by-election. In the previous Vikravandi bypoll, PMK candidate, which holds substantial influence in the region, was fielded on behalf of the NDA alliance. In the 2023 Erode (East) bypoll, the BJP supported the AIADMK candidate as both the parties were in alliance at the time. This time, if the NDA decides to contest, the BJP may field its own candidate. However, it is also noteworthy that the TMC, which is part of the NDA, put up a strong challenge in the 2021 assembly elections in the Erode East seat, largely due to AIADMK's backing.