R Ranganayaki is DMK’s mayoral candidate in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: DMK has fielded party councillor R Ranganayaki as its mayoral candidate for the Coimbatore Corporation.

Municipal administration minister K N Nehru, who is camping in Coimbatore ahead of the election scheduled for Tuesday, made the announcement on Monday.

Ranganayaki is the councillor of ward 29. The decision regarding her candidature was made after minister Nehru and minister for housing and urban development S Muthusamy convened a meeting with the DMK councillors in Coimbatore.

Speaking to reporters, Nehru said, "The mayoral candidate will fulfil the expectations of the public and implement the state government schemes in coordination with the councillors."

While 72 out of the total 74 DMK councillors attended the meeting, former mayor Kalpana Anandakumar and councillor S Nevedha did not show up.

The vacancy for the mayoral post arose after Kalpana was asked to step down by the party high command. Kalpana’s resignation came amid allegations over her performance and strained relations with the party cadre. However, she stated that her resignation was due to health reasons.

On July 26, the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission declared the election for the post of mayor in the Coimbatore Corporation.

In the 100-member council, the DMK holds a majority with 76 councillors, its allies have 21 members and the AIADMK has only three members. Hence, DMK's Ranganayaki is expected to be elected unopposed as the corporation mayor.

According to the commission, nomination forms can be filed with the returning officer from 10.30 am on Tuesday, and they will be scrutinized immediately. If there is a contest, the election will be held and the results will be declared soon after the poll, according to Coimbatore Corporation official.