Will Vijayakanth’s DMDK Go it Alone in TN? Unhappy With Seat-sharing Talks, NDA Ally’s Cryptic Message

In the run-up to the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, the DMDK has hinted at contesting elections alone as seat-sharing talks with the AIADMK hit a roadblock. DMDK’s displeasure over seat-sharing discussions was out in the open after DMDK leader took to social media to say that Vijayakanth is the party’s chief ministerial candidate.

DMDK deputy general secretary and Vijayakanth’s brother-in-law LK Sudheesh in a tweet on Monday said: “Vijayakanth is our Chief Minister… Murasu is our symbol… DMDK party flag is our flag..”

DMDK is part of the NDA alliance with Edappadi Palaniswami as its chief ministerial candidate. A final decision on whether DMDK would still want be part of the NDA for 2021 elections will be taken on Tuesday.

So far, two rounds of talks held between the AIADMK and the DMDK over seat sharing failed. Sources say the DMDK wanted to contest in at least 23 seats while the AIADMK is ready to offer 10-12 seats. DMDK sources say the AIADMK is offering more seats to other allies, including the BJP and the PMK, and it is only fair that they too get over 20 seats.

Political analysts say DMDK’s statement hinting at going it alone could be seen as political posturing.

While the party fared well in 2011, DMDK contested alone in 2016 state assembly polls and Vijayakanth was seen as the kingmaker. However, the party failed to win in all the 103 seats and its CM candidate Vijayakanth too lost his deposit.