Party chief M Karunanidhi told reporters here that out of 42 contenders, Maran, a post graduate in business administration, was chosen after an interview session presided over by him.
Other senior leaders, including DMK Treasurer M K Stalin and Duraimurugan, also participated in the session.
More From This Section
The announcement of the candidate for the bypoll came days after Karunanidhi writing to all opposition parties seeking their support for its nominee to put up a united fight against the ruling AIADMK.
The CPI-M and CPI have already rejected his appeal, pointing out to DMK's association with the UPA in the past and being a party to various 'anti-people' policies.
The bypoll has been necessitated by the death of AIADMK MLA C Perumal, 62, in July.