MDMK seeks to contest on its own symbol

CHENNAI: MDMK has conveyed its intent to contest the forthcoming Assembly election under its own symbol, after the Vaiko-led party contested in 2021 under the DMK's rising sun symbol.

The party’s seat-sharing committee, comprising council chairman Arjuna Raj, treasurer M Senthildeepan, high-level committee member Su Jeevan and election secretary V Seshan, met the DMK panel led by party treasurer TR Baalu at Anna Arivalayam on Monday. Sources said the DMK leadership has not given any assurance yet on the request.

In the 2021 Assembly election, MDMK was allotted six seats as part of the alliance and contested on the DMK symbol, winning four constituencies. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the party contested on its own matchbox symbol within the alliance. MDMK principal secretary Durai Vaiko contested from Tiruchy and won.

Earlier in the day, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), led by MH Jawahirullah, met the DMK seat-sharing committee and sought five seats. Jawahirullah said the party had contested two seats in 2021, Papanasam and Manapparai, and won both. He said the committee informed him that the demand would be placed before DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin. Jawahirullah added that, as in the previous election, the party would contest on the DMK's rising sun symbol this time as well.