Thirumavalavan Formally Rules Out Trichy East Bypoll — "I Told CM Vijay Directly; My Decision Is Final"

VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan on Tuesday put an end to all speculation, announcing definitively that he will not contest the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly by-election vacated by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

"I am saying this 100 per cent — I will not contest in any by-elections, nor will I be influenced by anyone. My decision is final and will not change under any circumstances," Thirumavalavan told reporters.

He confirmed that TVK had extended an invitation for him to join the Council of Ministers and that discussions had included contesting the Trichy East seat as a route to a ministerial berth — but said he had politely declined.

"I have conveyed my decision and thanked the Chief Minister for the confidence shown in me," he said, adding that he had told CM Vijay directly.

He also noted that holding a legislative seat was not a prerequisite for a ministerial role — a non-legislator can serve as minister for up to six months under constitutional provisions — leaving open a future path to cabinet without a bypoll.