PMK files paper for Mayor

By R. Krishnamoorthy

MADURAI, SEPT. 29. The joy in the DMK camp, over the CPI(M)'s decision to go it alone for the local bodies elections, was marred today when the PMK, an important ally, announced its candidate for Mayor in the Madurai Corporation.

Both the DMK candidate, Mr. C. Ramachandran, and the PMK's surprise choice, Ms. Gomathiammal, filed their nominations today. The reason for the PMK's sudden decision was the volte- face done by the DMK which unilaterally announced its candidates for all wards of the Corporation and the Madurai West panchayat union.

Though the PMK's strength is still untested in the region, its decision has given the rival camp enough grist. Moreover, the DMK is on a sticky wicket as it has virtually eased out the Puthiya Tamizhagam and the DPI. Thus it cannot depend on the Dalit votebank.

Sources in the PMK say they were let down by the DMK. They claim that the DMK, contrary to its promise of alloting seven wards in the Corporation and three in the Madurai West panchayat union, in addition to the union's chairmanship, to its candidates, left the PMK high and dry. It was given only one seat in the Corporation and no seat in the panchayat union. But DMK functionaries refute this charge.

The DMK district-level functionaries had kept the PMK leaders waiting, for an appropriate response and preferred to go ahead with announcing its candidates. This triggered the PMK's move, it is learnt.

As per the agreement, the DMK had already agreed to apportion wards 6, 31, 32, 53, 54 and 28 to the PMK and further talks pertained to the allotment of wards 4 and 5. The DMK left a solitary ward (no. 6) for the PMK.

On an action-packed day, the PMK men here established contact with the high command and obtained the consent of the party's election officer, Dr. A.K. Moorthy, before taking the decision.

Subsequently, senior partymen including the deputy general secretary and Vandavasi MLA, Mr. Murugavel Rajan, went into a huddle to chart the next course of action. It is not yet clear whether the PMK's decision here would have a State-level impact.

Still, the possibility of the PMK withdrawing its Mayoral candidate is not ruled out. The PMK leaders say they are ready to settle even for six seats. But the DMK is in no mood to oblige.

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Section  : Southern States
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