The R K Nagar constituency has been devoid of a leader following the demise of former AIADMK's supremo, J Jayalalithaa. With the Election Commission scheduling the by-elections on April 12, questions on AIADMK's candidacy for the seat have been gaining much heat.

On Wednesday, the party's presidium chairman K A Sengottaiyan announced that Deputy General Secretary, T T V Dinakaran would contest from R K Nagar. Dinakaran, who is also the nephew of Jaya's close aide, Sasikala, proclaimed victory with a 50,000 vote margin.

It is a mega battle at R K Nagar, as Deepa Jayakumar has also declared to contest in the bypolls where her late Aunt has previously won twice. While the ADMK rebel faction's candidate is yet to be announced, N Marudhuganesh will field for the seat on behalf of the DMK.