After keeping suspense alive on a possible alliance with the AIADMK for over two weeks, The Vijayakanth-led Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) was allotted four seats by the ruling party.
Shortly after the Election Commission announced the dates for TN polls was set on 18 April, Tamilnadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam and Vijayakanth and DMDK Treasurer Premalatha signed announced the tie up after signing the agreement yesterday.
Speaking about the tie up Premalatha said the DMDK and AIADMK were natural allies. “It is a victory alliance and an example is 2011 Assembly election when the AIADMK-DMDK alliance had a big win.” She hit out at the DMK and hailed the AIADMK as a party nurtured by a woman leader late Jayalalithaa.
Panneerselvam said AIADMK led front as a mega and victory alliance and that the constituencies to be contested by the allies will be announced after consultations. “It has been decided to allot 4 seats to DMDK. In the bypolls to 21 Assembly constituencies, the DMDK will support the AIADMK,” he said. Interview of candidates seeking party tickets will commence from today at the AIADMK headquarters.
Even as several rounds of talks between the leaders of the two parties were taking place, the DMK was said to have been keen on an alliance with the DMDK. However, earlier last week it announced the conclusion of its alliance, shutting doors on any more partners.
AIADMK has alloted seven seats to PMK, five to the BJP and one to Dalit-based Puthiya Tamizhagam in the state and the lone Puducherry seat to AINRC. GK Vasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress is also expected to join the ruling party.
The DMK has entered into alliance with Congress, VCK, IUML, MDMK and CPI-M and CPI.