Bypoll line-up yet to get clarity

Chennai: Though, it is certain that the two major Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and DMK, are entering the fray in the bypolls to the three constituencies, Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram, the line-up will be clear only after the Congress and PWA announce their stand.

The AIADMK is the first off the block to announce the candidates for all the three seats and the party is confident of success. Party spokesperson C.R. Sarswathi, has confidently declared that the people of the three constituencies are ready to give electoral victories to the AIADMK. There is no change in the strategy of the ruling party as it did not have any major party in the alliance during Assembly polls.

However, uncertainties have cropped up in the DMK-Congress alliance and the national party has not come out with a statement that it would support the DMK in the bypolls.

TNCC leader S. Thirunavukkarasar, who said the alliance with the DMK continues for the bypolls, did not come out with a statement of support. He had also declined to answer questions if the Congress would contest in any of the seats.

The silence of the Congress makes it obvious that it is upto the DMK to seek the backing of the national party. But, it is not sure if the DMK leaders would meet Thirunavukkarasar for support or issue a general statement seeking the support of other parties.

The DMDK, which was routed in the Assembly polls is keen to contest in all the three seats, though it had left Aravakurichi and Thirupparankundram for its allies during the Assembly elections. The BJP and PMK too are planning to field candidates in all the three by-elections.

The stand of PWA is being keenly watched as it is one formation which could split the opposition votes and make the going tough for the DMK. For the principal opposition, a win in at least one of the constituencies or a close fight in two seats would amount to a political victory.

Even going by the 2014 Parliament elections, when DMK was routed, the party has strong support in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur Assembly segments where it has crossed 40 per cent votes.

The DMK leaders have not pinned much of their hopes on Thirupparankundram, which has always been an AIADMK bastion, electing AIADMK stalwarts like former Speaker K. Kalimuthu.