DMK candidate list ignores alliance, Fickle Jaya rattles own boat in TN

The star studded alliance that AIADMK supremo Jayaalithaa had forged for the April 13 assembly poll has hit the bump with the allies threatening to part ways over seat-sharing. The allies have indicated that they may form a third front, jolted by the AIADMK’s unilateral announcement of candidates for 160 seats even before identifying constituencies for its allies.

The former Tamil Nadu chief minister stands isolated as all the constituents of the combine, barring a Muslim outfit, have joined hands and held discussions over the possibility of parting ways with the AIADMK-led alliance. Thursday’s developments hold ominous portends.

It was a severe shock to the AIADMK as Jayalalithaa would have least expected the revolt. Angry cadres of actor Vijaykant’s DMDK burnt her effigy in the city while flex boards and banners of Jayalalithaa were torn to pieces by irate CPM workers in the distant Dindigul. Already a sulking MDMK has stayed away from the seat- sharing negotiations as what was on offer was said to be a pittance.

The party which contested 35 seats last time was offered nine seats by the AIADMK on Wednesday evening. Another ally, Karthik, a popular romantic hero, has already parted company.

Wednesday’s announcement has only added to the heartburn among the allies — DMDK of actor Vijaykant, the two Left parties, AISMK of actor Sarath Kumar, Puthiya Thamizhgam of Dr Krishnasamy, the Forward Bloc and another Thevar party, who were none too happy about the number of seats they have got.

“ There is no possibility of remaining in the AIADMK alliance,” said CPI state Secretary D. Pandian. “ It is not the correct approach,” said his Marxist counterpart G. Ramakrishnan, who was taken aback by the AIADMK’s decision.

The Left parties held consultations and then gathered at the CPM office. They soon left to meet Vijaykant at his party office.

There is a strong possibility of the emergence of a third front now. There were reports that the front would rope in other small outfits to broaden its base. At the end of the confabulations, Vijaykant said: “ We will take a decision by tomorrow.” None of the constituents in the AIADMK- led combine is happy at the way seat- sharing was concluded.

Adding insult to injury was the AIADMK taking away plum seats considered to be the strongholds of these parties. The CPM and CPI were deprived of six seats each they held in the outgoing assembly. They were forced to settle for 12 and 10 seats respectively. The DMDK found to its dismay that 21 of the seats on its wish list for its share of 41 being taken away. Similar was the case with Sarath Kumar and Krishnasamy.

The revolt has thrown a spanner in ‘Amma’s’ plans. She has postponed the launch of her poll campaign on Friday from Madurai, which she considers lucky.