Sudhish-Ramadoss happy reunion at Thailapuram garden

Though such gestures are common at that place, what made the difference was the guest – L K Sudhish, the DMDK candidate for Kallakurichi LS constituency - who had a formal meeting with Ramadoss senior seeking PMK’s support.

Addressing a meeting there, Sudhish said, “People say that there is a dispute between the two parties (the DMDK and the PMK), but there is nothing of that sort. We were allies in the 2011 Assembly election and the tie-up continued in 2014 Parliamentary election as well. We have [now] joined hands again [too]”.

After the 2014 Lok Sabha election, DMDK leaders -including party treasurer Premalatha Vijayakant and Sudhish - had indirectly blamed the PMK for the defeat of all 14 DMDK candidates. The relationship between them since then was strained. But, the AIADMK and the BJP managed to stitch an alliance by bringing the rivals under their front.

Soon after sealing the AIADMK alliance, Ramadoss visited DMDK founder Vijayakant at his residence in Saligramam to discuss seat-sharing issues and to strengthen their relationship. Sudhish, in turn, visited Ramadoss’ house and expressed his support for both the parties on Wednesday.

“When I informed Captain Vijayakant that I am going to start my campaign in Kallakurichi, he instructed me to visit Thailapuram first and then begin canvassing work. After visiting Thailapuram, I could have gone to Kallakurichi, but now I am campaigning in Villupuram in support of the PMK candidate,” Sudhish said. He also showered praise on Ramadoss.

“I see Ramadoss as a champion of people’s rights. Captain has the same quality and we are all in the same victorious alliance,” he added. Ramadoss reciprocated by stating that Sudhish has bright chances of winning from the Kallakurichi constituency. “Our alliance will win all the 40 seats and Sudhish will also ultimately win from his constituency,” said Ramadoss.