Chennai, May 23 (IANS) The Election Commission has announced that the biennial election to fill a vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu will be held on June 18, setting the stage for the first Upper House contest involving the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led dispensation after its rise to power in the state.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of C Ve Shanmugam from the Rajya Sabha after he was elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from the Mailam constituency in the recently-concluded Assembly elections.

The poll is expected to trigger political discussions over candidate selection and alliance considerations within the ruling coalition.

As per the election schedule, the notification for the election process will be issued on June 1, marking the commencement of filing of nominations.

The last date for submitting nomination papers has been fixed as June 8, while scrutiny of nominations will be undertaken on June 9. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until June 11.

Polling, if necessary, will take place on June 18, followed by counting of votes on the same day.

The election assumes significance in the backdrop of the changed political landscape in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly elections that brought Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK to power.

Though the election involves only one vacancy, political observers are closely watching the ruling coalition’s approach, as the seat presents an opportunity for TVK to strengthen its parliamentary presence in New Delhi.

With the present effective strength of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly standing at 233 members, a candidate requires the support of 117 MLAs to secure victory.

Since no single party enjoys an independent majority, the outcome is expected to depend largely on alliance arithmetic.

The TVK-led alliance at present appears to hold an advantage in terms of numbers, making it the frontrunner to secure the seat.

However, attention is now turning to whether TVK will choose to retain the candidature for itself or allocate the prestigious Rajya Sabha berth to an alliance partner as part of coalition management.

Particular focus is likely to be on the Congress, which played a key role in extending support to the TVK-led government.

Political circles indicate that discussions on accommodating allies may gain momentum in the coming days as the nomination process approaches.

–IANS

aal/rad