Bypolls for 18 of the 22 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu are crucial to determine the fate of not only the Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) government but that of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) itself, political leaders and analysts say. The factionalism has raised hopes of the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of returning to power. The AIADMK has 113 out of the 235 (one nominated) seats in the House while the DMK has 88. Only 18 of the 22 seats went to the polls last Thursday. In a recent interview, DMK leader Kanimozhi said there is anger against the AIADMK for allying with the BJP.

Source: Mint April 21, 2019 18:33 UTC