PUDUCHERRY: In a damage-control move amid friction within the INDIA bloc following the Congress’s ‘friendly fire’ poll incident, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president V Vaithilingam on Friday said disciplinary action has been initiated against six members who defied party directions and remained in the fray against DMK candidates.
Addressing reporters at the party office, Vaithilingam asserted that the INDIA bloc “remains intact” and dismissed criticism from allies, including the Left and the VCK, that the coalition has collapsed.
He said the Congress leadership had directed all its nominees contesting in (five) constituencies allotted to the DMK and one to the VCK to withdraw their nominations. However, the six candidates failed to comply.
“We have instructed party cadre not to extend any support or cooperation to these competing candidates during campaigning and electioneering. Party-wise disciplinary action has also been initiated against them for suspension,” he said.
The last date for withdrawal of nominations ended on Thursday, following which the Election Department released the final list of candidates. Vaithilingam clarified that the Congress had officially fielded candidates in 16 constituencies, while 14 seats were allotted to the DMK.
The DMK, in turn, which was to distribute seats to allies, is contesting in 13 constituencies and has allotted the Uzhavarkarai seat to the VCK, while no seat was given to the Communist Party of India or other allies.
Among the rebel candidates, Anandababu Natarajan from Nellithope withdrew his nomination, while Mangalam candidate Raghupathi missed the withdrawal deadline, said Vaithilingam.
“Hence, we have barred these candidates from using the party flag and instructed cadre to distance themselves from them,” he added.
When asked about the possibility of disciplinary action if any rebel candidate wins, Vaithilingam said the party would take an appropriate decision at that stage.
He further stated that discussions with alliance partners such as the VCK and CPI were being handled by the DMK, and that the Congress has not directly engaged in separate negotiations with them so far.
Expressing confidence in the alliance, Vaithilingam said the INDIA bloc would secure a majority in the April 9 polls.
With former chief minister V Narayanasamy by his side, Vaithilingam said that Narayanasamy had opted out of contesting the Nellithope seat as a sacrifice for the alliance, as the DMK was insisting on it (seat).
Being a senior leader for whom the party comes first, the party also has plans for giving him higher positions at the national level, said Vaithilingam.
The Congress was allotted 16 seats as part of the alliance. However, it is now contesting six more than it was allotted, having fielded its nominees in five seats given to the DMK and one to the VCK.