CUDDALORE: Despite the thrashing received at the hustings, Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman can smile. Not without reason. 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 the CPI(M) and close to the BJP.
Seeman, who vowed to wipe out the Dravidian majors, lost miserably in Cuddalore. Securing about 12400 votes, he was pushed to the fifth place, way behind the winner, M C Sampath of the AIADMK. None of the candidate fielded by the party could retain the deposit.
Of the 14 candidates in the fray in Cuddalore, AIADMK's Sampath got 70437 votes, DMK's Ela. Pugazhendhi polled 45489 votes, Tamil Manila Congress' A S Chandrasekaran received 20608 votes and PMK's Pazha Thamaraikannan earned 16905 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 as government employees. Changing the state emblem and the anthem besides making toddy as the national drink were among the many other promises.
While campaigning, Seeman said his party was contesting in this election to know how many true Tamils are living in Tamil Nadu.
Supporters from the Tamil diaspora and from other states have canvassed for him in Cuddalore. It was rumored that the Tamil diaspora was liberally financing his party's campaign.