Trouble for Vaiko? Speculation over MDMK chief's Rajya Sabha membership owing to conviction in sedition case

MDMK chief Vaiko is a politician who sparks controversy easliy while giving his speeches. Owing to this he was convicted by a special court last week under sedition charges for his inflammatory pro-LTTE speech, which he made in 2009 during a book release function in Chennai during the DMK regime.

Vaiko on Saturday filed his nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat which is been given by DMK, based on the pre-electoral agreement between the both. The DMK has given one seat to Vaiko out of three Rajya Sabha seats which they have. 

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Unfortunately, Vaiko was convicted by the Special Court on last Friday in a 10-year-old sedition case which was slapped by DMK government in 2009 for his pro-LTTE speech, when the Sri Lankan Eelam war was at its peak. Vaiko, was set with an imprisonment of one year with Rs 10,000 fine, However, the court has stayed the verdict and gave 30 days time for Vaiko to go for an appeal in the higher court.

However, the legal experts say that the sedition act doesn't fall under the Representation of People's Act and hence Vaiko will not have any trouble to become the RS MP.

In a turn of the events, DMK on Monday fielded another person named NR Elango as the 4th candidate, as an alternate for Vaiko which turned to be a shock for everyone. The DMK claimed that they are fielding the candidate as a precautionary measure as Vaiko's nomination could be rejected because of the recent verdict and the acceptance also depends upon the returning officer as Vaiko has mentioned about his recent conviction on his nomination papers. 

Later, Vaiko himself gave an explanation that he asked DMK to file a person as an alternative in the worst case scenario if his nomination is rejected, He also said that MK Stalin wants to see him as an MP and said that he believes that his nomination will be accepted without any complications. However, the final call will be taken by the returning officer and hence DMK filed another candidate after reading the legal complications in the case.

There is huge anticipation among the parties for Vaiko to enter the Parliament since he raises the issue of the state in through intense speeches. He will enter the Parliament after 22 years if his nomination is accepted by the returning officer.

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