DMK seals poll pact with VCK, MDMK

CHENNAI: Ending the stalemate in its seat sharing talks with its allies, the ruling DMK on Friday sealed the poll pact with VCK and MDMK for the ensuing Parliamentary polls.

Chief Minister M K Stalin signed separate seat sharing agreements with VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan and MDMK general secretary Vaiko at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam Friday afternoon, putting to rest wild speculation about the two allies migrating to the alliance headed by AIADMK which has been desperately sending feelers to disgruntled 'friends' of the DMK ever since the seat sharing negotiations commenced.

As per the agreement, the VCK has managed to 'retain' its two sitting seats, Chidambaram and Villupuram (both reserve seats) subject to the outcome of the negotiations with other allies. Though the numbers of seats are unlikely to change, there is no guarantee of the Dalit party retaining the sitting seats as the poll pact had a caveat that the "list would be confirmed subject to finalization of constituencies with the other allies."

Talking to media persons later, Thirumavalavan said that considering the political situation in Tamil Nadu and the country and unity of the INDIA block, the VCK has agreed to the same two-seat formula and signed the deal after holding detailed consultations. Asked about the party not securing the third (general) seat, Thiruma added, "We held open and elaborate consultations and finally agreed after considering all factors. We have jointly shared the seats."

Clarifying that the DMK has agreed to them contesting on their own symbol, Thiruma stated that the ECI has yet to respond to their petition for allotting a common symbol (Pot). The VCK leader also informed that they would contest in 10 seats in Telangana and three seats each in Karnataka and Kerala in addition to Andhra where they were holding talks with the Congress for alliance.

Meanwhile, the DMK successfully persuaded the MDMK to accept its one-seat (LS) offer without any formal commitment on a future Rajya Sabha nomination badly wanted by Vaiko. Announcing the formalization of the pact, Vaiko said that they would contest in one Parliamentary seat on their own symbol in the alliance led by the DMK and there were over 15 months left for the next RS biennial election and hence they deferred it for future.