DMK front on a sticky wicket in Nellai dt.

By Syed Muthahar

TIRUNELVELI, SEPT. 30. The decision of the Puthiya Tamilagam (PT), the Makkal Tamil Desam (MTD) and the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) to leave the DMK-led alliance has weakened the front to a considerable extent in Tirunelveli district and has caused much disappointment to the DMK cadres.

This is expected to affect the prospects of the candidates belonging to the DMK front throughout the district in general and in the Tirunelveli Corporation elections in particular. At present, the DMK has allotted the chairperson's post of the Tenkasi Municipality to the BJP and that of Kadayanallur Municipality to the PMK.

The PT wielded considerable influence in the Tirunelveli Corporation limits and in other parts of the district. Its exit has only brightened the chances of the AIADMK candidate in the Tirunelveli Mayoral election. The admission of the PMK into the DMK front is not expected to provide any added advantage to the DMK as the former's influence among the voters of the district is limited. The MTD too has a reasonable following in the Corporation limits and in some pockets.

The DMK cadres were celebrating the entry of the PMK, as they were confident that with the PT, DPI and the MTD already with them, the alliance will become a force to reckon with in both the northern and southern districts. However, the sudden exit of the three parties has come as a shock to them.

At last an agreement was reached on sharing the seats between the constituents of the AIADMK front. The TMC has been allotted the Shencottai and the Kadayanallur Municipality chairpersons' posts. The TMC, the CPI and the Indian National League were taken aback, when the AIADMK announced candidates for almost all the Corporation wards unilaterally. Now the AIADMK has allotted 14 wards to the TMC, three to the CPI and four to the INL. The AIADMK has finally decided to contest for 34 Corporation wards.

Cong. front impact

The formation of a third front led by the Congress and the unceremonious exit of the CPI(M) will have an impact on the prospects of the AIADMK-TMC front. The CPI(M) has a good following in Ambasamudram and Vasudevanallur Assembly segments. Since the party had units in almost all the hamlets, the AIADMK would feel its absence in the semi-urban and rural areas, a TMC leader said.

There is already lot of heartburning among the TMC and the Congress volunteers following the ``continued ill-treatment'' being meted out to them by the AIADMK high command since the last Assembly elections.

The supporters of these parties were forced to vote to the AIADMK alliance in the Assembly elections as both the outfits remained in it. Since the Congress has decided to form a third front, the traditional Congressmen are expected to vote for this alliance this time. The support of the PT and the MTD will prove an added advantage to this alliance in the district. The Tirunelveli Corporation Mayor's post has been allotted to the PT.

The MDMK has announced Mrs. Sujitha, a practicing lawyer as its candidate for the post of the Tirunelveli Mayor. The severe jolt suffered by the party in the Assembly elections has not dampened the spirit of the youthful MDMK cadres, as they prepare themselves for yet another electoral battle with confidence.

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Section  : Southern States
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