At a time when discussions are going on between the BJP and PMK for formalization of an alliance in Tamil Nadu, the local unit of PMK is contemplating to contest the Puducherry Lok Sabha seat irrespective of whether or not its party strikes an alliance with BJP in TN, causing concern to the ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC).
The cadres and functionaries of the party are unhappy over the announcement of the AINRC candidate by Chief Minister N Rangasamy as part of BJP alliance, even before the BJP-led alliance has been formalised. “Our party leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has met Rangasamy four times seeking AINRC support for the party candidate, but never during the discussions had Rangasamy made it clear that he would be fielding a candidate,” PMK state organiser and its party’s candidate R K R Ananthaman told Express. Neither had Rangasamy taken the party into confidence before making the announcement.
PMK had announced it candidate long back. “I have been campaigning since February and have covered several areas and have gone even to the outlying areas. Going back would be cutting a sorry figure,” he said.
The party cadres, who have been working hard, are also a discontented lot and want to contest even without any alliance.
The party leadership has given green signal to take a decision at the party forum by delinking it from the TN alliance, said Anantharaman. “The matter will be discussed during the party’s general body meeting on Sunday and a decision will be taken,“ he said.
If PMK contests the elections, it will make a dent in the predominant Vanniyar caste votes, which is believed to be major vote bank for Rangasamy and therefore will be disadvantageous for the AINRC candidate.
Rangasamy is expected to set things right by holding discussions with the PMK.
Meanwhile, in Villupuram a closed-door meeting was conducted at PMK founder S Ramadoss’s house on Thursday to discuss the party’s stand in the Lok Sabha election in Puducherry and to decide on an alliance in Tamil Nadu.
The PMK was the first party to announce its candidate for Lok Sabha election on October 21, 2013. But, a few days later, the PMK commenced its alliance talks with the BJP, which had earlier hit a roadblock since the DMDK joined the BJP alliance, demanding some of the constituencies for which the PMK had already announced the candidate.