PMK ends standoff with DMDK, list soon

 Chennai: The PMK-DMDK standoff has been resolved and the final list of constituencies allotted to the constituents would be released in a couple of days by BJP president Rajnath Singh.

“Most probably, he will announce the final lists of the various constituents of the alliance at Woodlands Hotel here on Thursday, after the BJP election committee prepares its draft report on the conclusion of the talks tomorrow (Wednesday),” a reliable source said late Tuesday night.

The PMK is understood to have given up its claim over Salem and Kallakurichi in deference to the BJP request that these two seats be given to the DMDK. While introducing his son Dr Anbumani as the Dharmapuri candidate on Sunday, PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss had asked his party candidates in Salem and Tiruvannamalai to continue their campaign and even announced a candidate for Kallakurichi seat. Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi were among the 14 seats allotted to DMDK.

A senior PMK leader, however insisted that his party was still unhappy with its constituencies. He said that Doctor Ayya was not only unhappy over the choice of seats but also the number of seats. “He has made it clear that he would not accept any seats beyond our traditional holds. If they allot the seats of our choice, we will be part of the alliance,” the leader who is also a candidate told DC. “A lion will not negotiate with wily foxes,” Dr Ramadoss had roared at the well-attended Dharmapuri rally.

According to BJP sources said the party has managed to get the sulking PMK back to the negotiation table. “We are holding talks with Dr Anbumani who convinced his reluctant father for BJP alliance.”