Date:19/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/19/stories/2006101909050300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Others

Independents get majority of seats

Staff Reporter

THENI : Independents, who shattered the AIADMK bastion, would decide which Dravidian party should head the council in a majority of town panchayats in the district.

The outcome of the election results in a majority of town panchayats has shown that voters have more confidence in independents than political candidates. DMK was completely washed out in Vadugapatti as Independents swept 11 out of 15 wards leaving just four to AIADMK.

Independents have captured a majority of wards in Andipatti, Kuchanur, Kamayagoundenpatti, Thevaram and Utmamapalayam town panchayats.

They won 11 out of 18 wards in Andipatti leaving three to DMK and 4 to AIADMK and seven out of 15 wards in Kamayagoundenpatti. While DMK won in 2, AIADMK in 4 and CPI in 2.

In Thevaram, Independents swept 11 out 18 wards leaving AIADMK six and DMK one only. The situation was same in Utmamapalayam as independents captured 11 out of total 18 wards leaving two to DMK, four to AIADMK and one to Congress.

At Kuchanur, independents garnered seven out of 12 wards. AIADMK won three and DMK and DMDK one each.

Political parties are at the mercy of independents to form the council at Pannaipuram, Maragayankottai, Veerapandi, Melasokkanathapuram, Poodhipuram, Anumanthanpatti and Odaipatti town panchayats.

At Markayankottai, DMK and AIADMK that won four seats each are now depending on four independents to form the 12-member council. While DMK with six wards and AIADMK with four wards are in need of support of five independent in 15 member Veerapandi council.

At Kamayagoundenpatti, DMK-ally and AIADMK depend on seven independents as both won four each.

Lone independent would decide fate of DMK and AIADMK in Melasokkanathapuram as both won seven wards each.

Five independents will decide which Dravidian party should head the 15 member council at Anumanthanpatt as DMK got six, BJP one and AIADMK 3.

At Pannaipuram, lone Independent will decide whether AIADMK or DMK ally that has seven wards each should head the council.

DMK-ally won majority of wards in Kombai, Highwayvysh, Thenkarai, Cumbum Pudhupatti and Devadhanapatti only.