Chennai: The DMK has roped in more partners, most of them smaller parties, to the alliance. But still, the main opposition party is planning to field its own candidates in more than 180 seats.
The DMK on Monday signed an agreement with the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), the Aathi Thamizhar Peravai (ATP) and the Makkal Viduthalai Katchi (MVK) for one seat each. Candidates of these three parties will contest on the DMKās Rising Sun symbol.
With the seats allotted to the allies so far, the DMK will contest in 187 of the 234 constituencies, including those where the MDMK, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, the TVK, the ATP and the MVK will contest on the Rising Sign symbol.
The Dravidian majorās argument is that lending the party symbol to allies would help them approach the electorate with a popular symbol as all these parties have lost their state-party status and dedicated symbols.
Moreover, the DMK leadership considers it prudent to keep allies on a tight leash should they pose post-poll challenges like demanding share in power.