CHENNAI: Despite the thrashing received at the hustings, Naam Tamizhar Katchi leader Seeman can smile. Campaigning on an ultra Tamil nationalistic plank and dubbed as the local variant of the Shiv Sena and MNS, the NTK has secured a vote share higher than that of CPM, and close to the BJP. Seeman, who vowed to wipe out the Dravidian majors, lost miserably in Cuddalore. Securing about 12,400 votes, he was pushed to the fifth place way behind the winner, M C Sampath of AIADMK. None of the NTK candidates could retain the deposit.
Of the 14 candidates in the fray in Cuddalore, Sampath got 70,437 votes, DMK’s Ela. Pugazhendhi polled 45,489 votes, Tamil Maanila Congress’ A S Chandrasekaran received 20,608 votes and PMK’s Pazha Thamaraikannan earned 16,905 votes.
While introducing all his party candidates in Cuddalore two months ago, Seeman declared that if voted to power his government would follow benevolent dictatorship. He promised to make shepherds and farmers, government employees. Changing the state emblem and the anthem besides making toddy the national drink were among the many other promises.